Cash-starved Sudan to double minimum wage

KHARTOUM (AFP) - Sudan's cash-starved government on Sunday ordered a doubling of the minimum wage after months of rising prices left consumers struggling to make ends meet.

But an economist said the increase - which applies only to state employees - is far from enough and will be difficult to finance.

The order by President Omar al-Bashir reversed earlier official rejections of an increase despite inflation which reached 46 per cent in November.

"President Bashir gives directive for increasing the minimum wage to 425 pounds (S$118) as of Jan 1," the official SUNA news agency said in a brief dispatch.