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BALILA - 19 Sep 2013

Unemployment in oil fields area triggers protests in West Kordofan

A large number of youths staged protests and blocked main roads against what they term a “persisting unemployment” of youths in the oil-rich area of Balila in West Kordofan.

The youths allegedly lined up on the main road of the area, angered by the alleged refusal of the oil companies operating in their area to employ them.

According to a source, hundreds of Balila youths have protested during the last two days, blocking the main road leading to the oil fields. The youths have reportedly erected tents and put barriers put on the main road in Balila in order to prevent vehicles belonging to the oil companies from passing until their demands are implemented.

“The oil companies are working for their profits only. The local residents of the area are completely ignored. Even the employees and the workers are hired from outside the region,” one of the protesters explained to Radio Tamazuj.

He pointed out that since long the state government and the private companies are promising them employment but that the two sectors have totally failed to fulfil their promise up till now.   

Related coverage:

East Darfur youths stage protest for oil jobs – 12 arrested (30 July 2013)

Haroun promises to return West Kordofan state (18 March 2013)