Lagawa youth in Sudan’s West Kordofan state yesterday said they will begin a campaign of civil disobedience against the government instead of sit-in protests.

For the last 84 days, local youths have occupied the Lagawa town square demanding the government to provide basic services to citizens or they will not participate in Sudan's elections scheduled for April.

Bakhit El Tom, a protester in the town’s square, told Radio Tamazuj that all communities including employee and workers as well as traders organized civil disobedience yesterday instead of protests.

He said the move was to condemn statements made by the West Kordofan minister of finance Mahmoud Ali who accused the protesters of implementing a hidden agenda rather than demands for services.

Ali accused the national government and the local authorities of neglecting the citizens in the area. He further said the citizens have decided to escalate the civil disobedience and that they will resort to other actions.

The protester disclosed that the citizens are demanding annexation to South Kordofan state if their demands are not fulfilled.

Related:

Western Nuba leader urges Lagawa youth to call off strike (29 Jan.)