This is the ninth edition of ‘Money Monday’ featuring a round-up of financial journalism from or about the two Sudans:

Dollar squeeze adds to economic hardship in Sudan (Reuters, 16 January) – A crackdown on black market currency dealers has brought the rate down to 6.5 from 7.1 in December compared to the official rate then of 4.4.

Unity State cuts 5 ministries in order to pay civil servants full salaries (Sudan Tribune, 13 December) – The state legislature eliminates four ministries and a commissionership in a major reshuffle driven by austerity.

South Sudan’s annual inflation now at 25% (Sudan Tribune, 18 January) - The Consumer Price Index decreased in Malakal by 14.7% and by 12.8% in Juba from November to December 2012, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Abducted Chinese employees released (Radio Dabanga, 16 January) – Four Chinese employees of a firm working on the Western Salvation Road were released from captivity in Kuma locality in North Darfur, while 11 Sudanese employees remain hostage.

Ethiopia-Sudan highway completed (Sudan Tribune, 15 January) – The 100km-long corridor stretches from Ethiopia’s Asossa town to Kumruk.

Previous edition: 17 December 2012