KIGALI, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan President Paul Kagame reshuffled the cabinet on Thursday night, retaining most members of the existing cabinet.

Bernadette Arakwiye was appointed the new minister of environment, succeeding Valentine Uwamariya, while Dominique Habimana replaced Patrice Mugenzi as the new minister of local government, according to a statement from the presidential office.

Telesphore Ndabamenye, former director-general of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, was named minister of state for agriculture and animal resources. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, former high commissioner of Rwanda to Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, took office as minister of state for infrastructure.

The reshuffle came just one day after Kagame appointed a new prime minister on Wednesday.

According to Rwanda's Constitution, a new cabinet will be formed within 15 days following the appointment of a new prime minister. ■