Sudan launches monthly cash allowances to ease economic pain 25 Feb 2021 / 00:43 H. KHARTOUM, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Sudan launched a scheme on Wednesday to alleviate the impact of a severe economic crisis by paying out monthly cash allowances of $5 that are eventually meant to reach 80% of the population. The first $400 million phase of the programme is financed by the World Bank and other donors, but disbursement of funds had been delayed ahead of a steep currency devaluation announced early on Sunday. The family support project, named "Thamarat" (Fruits), is initially being rolled out in four of Sudan's 18 states. Sudan has been roiled by an economic crisis that triggered protests against former ruler Omar al-Bashir and continued after his overthrow in April 2019.