Authorities in Kajo-Keji County in Central Equatoria state have launched a crackdown on the sale and consumption of illicit alcoholic drinks that officials say pose serious health risks.
The move follows the introduction of a county bylaw banning the sale of certain alcoholic beverages in markets and shops after complaints from local leaders and residents over rising health and social problems linked to their consumption, particularly among young people.
Kajo-Keji County Commissioner Jackson Wani Mule told Radio Tamazuj that the bylaw was developed in January and signed into law on Feb. 11 after consultations with chiefs, civil society groups and other stakeholders.
“It is true that we are cracking down on illicit drinks that are toxic and dangerous to human health,” Mule said. “Complaints started last year from chiefs, civil society and other stakeholders demanding action from the county authorities.”
He said the county gave traders a four-month grace period to allow the distribution of copies of the bylaw and public awareness campaigns through local radio stations before enforcement began.
Mule said the ban targets specific illicit drinks smuggled into South Sudan from neighbouring Uganda and does not apply to all alcoholic beverages or locally brewed traditional drinks.
“These drinks are imported from Uganda and enter South Sudan illegally through porous border routes instead of official customs channels,” he said. “There are many people who have died as a result of consuming these drinks, so we cannot continue allowing them to destroy lives.”
He warned that anyone found selling the banned products would face legal action.
Executive chief Eresto Tomiyo said local chiefs supported the crackdown after concerns emerged over workers reporting for duty while intoxicated and increasing cases of illness linked to excessive drinking.
“One of the concerns raised was that some people consume these drinks without eating, which is dangerous to their health,” Tomiyo said. “That is why we agreed they should be banned.”
Central Equatoria state authorities last year also confiscated and banned the sale of what they described as toxic alcoholic drinks blamed for several deaths and health complications.
Kajo-Keji County borders Uganda and officials say smuggling remains a major challenge due to porous crossing points along the frontier.
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