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.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for his ministers and other senior officials to step down, as tensions soared in the government days after he lambasted his team on live television.

Colombia's Environment Minister Susana Muhamad said on Sunday she has informed President Gustavo Petro of her resignation from the post. "I have submitted my letter of resignation to President Gustavo Petro,

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.