1.   Gen. Igor Sergeyev became defense minister last month after President Boris Yeltsin dismissed his predecessor, Igor Rodionov, for the failure to modernize the Russian armed forces.

2.   Megawati was sworn in after the national assembly dismissed her predecessor Abdurrahman Wahid.

3.   The government on Wednesday appointed a new communications minister, whose predecessor was dismissed following allegations of favoritism in filling key posts.

4.   Balogun was appointed last month after his predecessor was dismissed for allowing the morale and discipline of the police force to collapse.

5.   Mauritanian President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya on Tuesday appointed Sheikh Alavia Ould Mohamed Khouna new prime minister after dismissing his predecessor earlier in the day, officials announced.