kebzabo became minister of state for mines, energy, and oil in a cabinet reshuffle on january 1, 1998, but he was dismissed from the government on may 11, 1998, along with two other undr ministers. regarding his dismissal, he said that his goals could be achieved outside of the government. in december 1999, he was named minister of state for agriculture in the government of prime minister nagoum yamassoum.