Sudan's ruling party has announced the formation of a new Cabinet which includes a dozen opposition parties.

Deputy Chairman of the ruling National Congress Party Nafie Ali Nafie said that the shuffle finalized early on Thursday gave ministerial posts to 14 different parties.

The shuffle comes as Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir seeks to shore up support in the wake of economic hardships and border conflicts with South Sudan, which declared independence in July.

The parties in government include one of the country's major opposition forces, the traditionally pro-Egyptian Democratic Unionist Party, he says.

The key interior, defense, and oil portfolios remain in the hands of ruling party members.