Congo Republic president reappoints PM after resignation

Congo Republic President Denis Sassou Nguesso speaks during a news conference after his meeting with Tunisia's President Beji Caid Essebsi at Carthage Palace in Tunis January 22, 2015. Sassou Nguesso is in Tunisia on a two-day visit. REUTERS/Anis Mili (TUNISIA - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR4MH6G

BRAZZAVILLE (Reuters) - Congo Republic President Denis Sassou Nguesso reappointed Clement Mouamba as prime minister on Monday, four days after Mouamba and his cabinet resigned, the president's office said in a statement. Mouamba, who resigned last week, is now charged with forming a new government, the statement said. Last week's resignations came after Sassou Nguesso said he wanted a new government to help alleviate economic woes caused by a steep drop in oil prices since 2014. Public debt has shot higher, raising questions over Congo's ability to meet coupon payments for its $363 million Eurobond. (Reporting by Christian Elion, Writing by Edward McAllister; Editing by Alison Williams)