Protesters in Lagawa Locality in West Kordofan state continued a strike for nearly four days, demanding improvements in basic services ahead of elections in April 2015.

The strike coincided with a voter registration drive.

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

The strike began Tuesday and ran four days.

A source told Radio Tamazuj that a police officer in charge in the area has been suspended after defying an order by his boss in El Fula town to disperse the protesters. 

Several religious and traditional leaders also received a letter from the governor calling on them to persuade the youths to call off the strike and form committee to meet the governor.

A traditional and religious leaders’ committee left for El Fula to meet the governor carrying a letter by the youths calling on the governor himself to come and address them in Lagawa locality, according to the same source.

Meanwhile, an eyewitness said that even members of the ruling National Congress Party and education office in the locality joined the protesters, saying they are part of the local community.