Cabinet Focuses on Economic Coordination and Cost-of-Living Reduction

Khartoum:The Council of Ministers convened an extraordinary session on Saturday, led by Prime Minister Dr. Kamil Idris, with the participation of regional governors and state Walis. The meeting aimed to enhance coordination between the federal government and state administrations concerning economic issues and measures affecting citizens' livelihoods.According to Sudan News Agency, the meeting featured a report from Justice Minister Dr. Abdullah Mohamed Dirif on the prevention of unauthorized monetary collections under the 2026 budget laws. The discussions emphasized the necessity of coordination with the Federal Ministry of Finance, even in cases where fees are imposed for state-regulated services.The ministers addressed issues related to mining fees, advocating for close collaboration with the Ministry of Minerals and the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company. They underscored the prohibition of unauthorized charges on incoming goods and reiterated the ban on fuel charges unless sanctioned by the Ministry of Energy. Additionally, the meeting called for an end to the practice of depositing collected funds into private accounts of state employees.The Cabinet also reaffirmed the ban on fees for national roads and urged adherence to prior decisions. The measures are intended to control unauthorized collections and alleviate the financial burden on citizens. A focus was placed on expediting the Hope Government's plan for electronic collections, aiming to improve the system by year-end and integrate it with the Baldna platform to combat irregular practices.Further discussions included reviewing food commodity availability, discounted sales outlets, and cooperatives, stressing the importance of services that reduce living costs. The Cabinet called for the cessation of illegal levies on industrial products before reaching consumers, aiming to lower prices and strengthen market oversight.The meeting evaluated a report on agricultural seasons by Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Professor Ismat Gurashi Abdull ah, addressing challenges such as rising production costs and Agricultural Bank financing. Progress was noted in providing irrigation pumps and securing pesticides and aerial spraying for the targeted winter-season area of 1.7 million feddans.Currency replacement efforts in North and South Kordofan were also discussed, with a briefing from the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sudan. The Cabinet was updated on preparations and efforts to combat counterfeit currency circulation, with plans to extend the replacement process in secure areas of both regions.Finally, the Cabinet directed enhanced coordination between border-crossing authorities and states to establish and improve cross-border trade controls. The meeting highlighted state cohesion and institutional effectiveness, with agreements to hold quarterly consultations between federal ministers, regional, and state governors.