Sudanese security forces reportedly arrested 12 youths on Saturday using bullets, batons, and tear gas to disperse a group of protestors insisting on jobs in Darfur’s oil industry.

The youths from Abu Karinka Locality of in East Darfur state disrupted the work of staff at that Zarqa Hadida oil field, just across the state border from North Darfur, and blocked the road between the field and the town of Fagarg.

One of the youths said that they were protesting about not being given employment in petroleum facilities in the area. “The government authorities brought in forces from Zarqa Hadida and Abu Karinka, which dispersed the protestors by force. They also arrested 12 of the men,” he said.

The activist affirmed that youths would continue their protests “until they are employed in the petroleum utilities and institutions operating in the region”.

Reporting by Radio Dabanga