Misseriya leaders have demanded more government services within their territory as compensation for environmental pollution due to oil extraction in their area.

Another key demand is that companies employ Misseriya youth at the oil fields in West Kordofan State. The leaders have threatened the oil companies with expulsion in case their ‘sons and daughters’ are not employed.

Abu Obeida Mohamed Hamdan, a youth leader in al-Fula, told Radio Tamazuj that Misseriya leaders organized a workshop last Wednesday to discuss issues related to oil extraction in the area.

The meeting was held in the presence of Governor Ahmed Khamis besides a representative of the Petroleum Ministry.

“The meeting recommended employment of youths and compensation in the form of development due to pollution caused by oil waste in the state,” explained Abu Obeida.

Last month youths staged protests and blocked main roads calling for more employment of youths in the oil-rich area of Balila in West Kordofan.