Sudan’s Bashir Vows to Downsize

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir reiterated his government’s commitment to reducing public expenditure and the government size to ease the economic burden. In a speech to the nation aired by Sudan TV, al-Bashir said there was no need for a big government under pressing economic difficulties, Xinhua reported. The Sudanese president stressed his administration’s commitment to reviewing the government structures at the federal and state levels, increasing effectiveness of governance, planning the public spending and enhancing the diversity of investment. He explained that the decision of dissolving the government was meant to address the economic issues and reduce public expenditure. “We have reached a common understanding on reducing the government bodies and consequently to dissolve the government of national unity at all levels, separate the post of prime minister and reduce the number of federal ministries from 31 to 21,” he noted. The new cabinet would be announced within the coming two days, al-Bashir added. Sudan has been suffering from an economic crisis caused by the shortage of liquidity and devaluation of its currency.