Colombia's interior minister has resigned as a political crisis shakes the government of President Gustavo Petro, following his decision to appoint a controversial politician as chief of staff.

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia's Environment Minister Susana Muhamad said on Sunday she has informed President Gustavo Petro of her resignation from the post.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has requested the resignation of his government's cabinet members, he said in a post on social media on Sunday.

The demand came after Petro on Tuesday subjected his Cabinet to a five-hour public dressing down on state TV, accusing several officials, including his trade, education and health ministers, of falling behind on the delivery of key projects.