Sudan’s ruling National Congress Party (NCP) on 8 December endorsed what is being described as “the largest” cabinet reshuffle since President Omar Hassan al-Bashir came to power in 1989. “We have decided to pass the torch to a younger generation known to have the expertise and the dedication,” NCP Vice Chairman Nafie Ali Nafie told reporters following a lengthy meeting of the party’s top decision-making body. The new 26-minister will have 11 new NCP ministers, while seven of the outgoing cabinet ministers will keep their posts. Seven ministers who come from coalition parties have not been affected.
“The reshuffle also includes the presidency where two new vice presidents and an assistant to the president have been appointed,” said Nafie, himself the outgoing assistant to the president. Al-Bashir’s government came under fire in recent months for slashing fuel subsidies, a decision that triggered nationwide unrest and anger. The government defended the controversial decision as a necessary step for financial and economic reform in their poverty-stricken country.