A politician from Lagawa Locality in Sudan’s West Kordofan has reportedly joined a sit-in demonstration organized by local youths who have been protesting in the town’s square for nearly three weeks demanding improved basic services.

A group of youths told Radio Tamazuj that influential leaders in the area have declared their solidarity with the citizens and that they joined the strike.

A member of the national parliament representing Lagawa locality has joined the protests and the emir of the western Nuba Mountains area Tutu Abdullah has voiced support for the strike, according to the protesters.

The state minister of finance has reportedly also visited the protesters in order to persuade them to call off their demonstration but the youth rejected this and distrusted the pledges he made to bring more services to the area.