NEWLY inaugurated President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has reappointed Egypt's prime minister, signalling continuity as he sets out to fix the economy and overcome political divisions after a long period of turmoil and bloodshed.

Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb said the current government would stay on in a caretaker role until he forms a new cabinet. Consultations had not yet begun, he said, although officials have said many of the leading ministers, such as finance, are likely to be unchanged.

Mr Sisi, who as armed forces chief toppled Islamist President Mohamed Mursi last July following mass protests, was sworn in on Sunday in a ceremony marked by a low-key presence from Western countries concerned about a crackdown on dissent.

While Mr Sisi quit the military in March, a lower-than-expected turnout in last month's presidential elections fell short of giving him a strong mandate to take tough measures to repair an economy wounded by three years of instability and regular violence.