Senegal announced its fifth government in three years under President Abdoulaye Wade, in a Cabinet overhaul Tuesday that followed criticism of Wade's administration and its handling of recent flooding.

While the government was believed to have courted opposition parties for the new Cabinet, the three main opposition groups refused to join — saying a strong opposition was more important to Senegal's democracy than a coalition government.

Senegal, a West African nation with few natural resources, is one of a handful of African nations never to experience a post-independence coup.

Wade, a longtime opposition leader, was elected three years ago, ousting a party that had held power for 40 years.

Wade's government had come under criticism recently for its handling of flooding in which dozens died.

Additionally, a new book, much-read in Senegal, featured a Senegalese journalist exposing alleged corruption and mismanagement in Wade's government.

The Cabinet named Tuesday has 34 members, two more than previous. Most key posts remain unchanged, except for the interior and health ministries.

The interior minister, an unaligned military veteran, was replaced with a minister of Wade's party. The health minister, a former World Health Organization official, was replaced with a political independent.

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