A prominent leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-North in West Kordofan State has criticized the restoration of the state by presidential decree last July.

In an interview with Radio Tamazuj, Hashim Ali Nimir also expressed discontent with the delay of the government reshuffle in West Kordofan by Governor Ahmed Khamis.

The rebel attributed the delay to indifference of the state government to provide services. He added that the expected reshuffle will not make any difference to the local citizens.

Ali noted the citizens are not benefiting from the oil money which is being extracted in their area, claiming that oil extraction has caused many diseases as well as environmental pollution in the state.

West Kordofan State was merged with South Kordofan following the signing of the CPA in 2005, but split from it again this year.