A tribal leader in western South Kordofan has demanded oil companies to leave the area alleging the companies have caused severe damage to the people of the region. He also rejected the government’s campaign to disarm civilians.

A leader in the civil (‘native’) administration in Babanusa, in the western sector of South Kordofan, omda of the Awlad Surur Messeriya stated that oil in the region has become a curse to the people of the region. He said that drilling operations have led to the narrowing of grazing lands, resulting in conflict between farmers and pastoralists from Awlad Heiban and Awlad Surur a few months ago. The incident he was referring to led to the death of dozens from the two sides. 

The omda also accused the government of not being serious in organizing a reconciliation conference between conflicting parties. He further asserted that more diseases have emerged in the region due to effects of mining operations on the environment in the region, in light of the complete absence of health services for area citizens.

He stated that the oil companies, instead of providing services to citizens, expelled a number of residents from work without clear reasons, and he revealed that security authorities have prevented shepherds from grazing near the area of ​​Heglig oil field. He explained that the authorities built a security fence around the entire region, and prevented shepherds from entering, and he renewed the civil administration's refusal to turn over their arms, in light of the lack of security.

According to the omda, the disarmament campaigns announced by local authorities in the region did not receive a positive response from the citizens because of the lack of security and the inability of the government to protect citizens and their property, and he demanded the authorities provide security before talking about the collection of arms.