Cabinet reshuffle to revive Sudan

Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir is to announce a new Cabinet in the next 24 hours.

On Sunday, Bashir announced a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle and large changes in government structures, including reducing the number of ministers from 31 to 21, in addition to limiting the number of state ministers to 15, the Sudan Tribune reported.

The Sudanese leader stated that the new government “would deal with the livelihoods of the people as a top priority”, saying the economic situation was the driving force for the decision to reshuffle the Cabinet.

The reshuffle is aimed at reducing and controlling public expenditure which is a crucial step towards bringing Sudan out of the economic doldrums.

Government structures are also to be reviewed in order to improve public performance.

After South Sudan ceded from the north in 2011, gaining the lion’s share of oil production and exports, Sudan’s economy has struggled to recuperate.

The withdrawal of South Sudan oil has compounded the economic stress, in addition to debt arrears, limited access to external financing, US sanctions, and the withdrawal of corresponding bank business. – ANA