The president of the Central African Republic has named a Muslim as the country's new prime minister, an official said Sunday, as part of an effort to create a more inclusive government after more than a year of sectarian violence.

Mahamat Kamoun, previously a special advisor to President Catherine Samba-Panza, a Christian, will lead a transitional government after being nominated by presidential decree.

The appointment was announced on state-owned radio by a spokesman for the presidency.