Activists in Lagawa Locality in West Kordofan state went on strike yesterday demanding for better basic services before elections take place in April 2015.

Last week, a group of youths gave a 72-hour ultimatum to local authorities including the governor to respond to their demands, threatening “alternative” action.

The protesting youths told Radio Tamazuj that they are calling on the government to fulfill their demands. They said the strike will continue for some time, without providing further details.

Several activists also disclosed that a detained young activist called Hashim Shayib has been released after being detained Monday by security agents along the Lagawa-Kadugli road.

Shayib was seized by security personnel carrying a large quantity of medicines without permission from local authorities. He was also accused of talking to a local radio station.

Local sources said the detention had something to with a rally organized on Friday on the issue of services provision.