Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has dissolved his entire cabinet two months after securing re-election for a new five-year term, state broadcaster GRTS announced on Thursday.

The brief announcement did not say why Jammeh had taken the decision or when the cabinet would be replaced. It said the president had commended his ministers for their patriotism and hard work.

Former military coup leader Jammeh scored a landslide 72% victory in November to extend his 17 year-rule over the tiny West African country, which attracts thousands of Western tourists to its white-sand beaches and tropical forests.

The African Union said Jammeh had benefited from a strong media bias and greater financial resources than rivals.

Although he has presided over a period of stability, a number of former allies have been accused of plotting coup bids during his rule.