Presidential assistant minimizes fears of protests in Sudan over fuel subsidies
June 11, 2012 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese presidential assistant, Nafie Ali Nafie, who is also deputy chairmen of the governing party, minimized fears of protests against government decision to scrap fuel subsidies.
Sudanese economy is suffering from a huge cap in the national revenue following the loss of important portion of oil income after the separation of South Sudan last year.
The government proposed a number of austerity measures including the cut of fuel subsides but Sudanese law makers are opposed to this decision saying it will encourage protests against the regime.
However the ruling National Congress Party decided to endorse the measure.
Speaking before Khartoum state legislative assembly which is controlled by his party, Nafie described as “fooled” those who are betting on street protests.
He further stressed that the government has no choice but enforcement of reform measures to control the situation and curb the inflation.
He further pointed out that his government is determined to implement this difficult measure because it will allow to develop the national economy and overcome the current crisis.
“Whatever has been said about the negative impact of these measures on the vulnerable segments (of population), but the continuation of the current situation is more fatal than the reform measure,” he said.
He emphasized that his government cannot continue to hide the situation and one day it has to face the Sudanese with the facts. He added the reforms are the only way to restore the recovery of the national economy and to bridge the gap between revenue and expenses.
He further mentioned to the measures are taken to reduce government spending. Khartoum after restricting the spending of government members is reportedly preparing to reduce the cabinet members.
Sudan was promised with international financial support to overcome the loss of revenue due to the independence of South Sudan. However Washington obstructed the move and froze a donor conference to put pressure on Khartoum over humanitarian access to rebel held areas in South Kordofan.
Sudan says it may need as much as $1.5 billion of foreign aid a year and plans to slash government spending by a quarter due to budget difficulties.
Nafie blamed Sudan’s enemies of impeding the march of economic revival in the country. He also accused those foreign conspirators of preventing the South Sudanese ruling party, SPLM, from reaching any deal with his government in order to hamper Sudan’s development.
Nafie went to say the return of economic stability requires reducing the demand for foreign currency and requests friends’ assistance.
He added that his government took the needed measures to fill the gap between the revenue and expenses within a short time, stressing that is simple because “it is the will of the nation which refuses to remain hands cuffed waiting for grants”.
(ST)