Jonglei’s Twic East county imposes alcohol ban

July 12, 2014 (PANYAGOOR) – Authorities in Twic East county of South Sudan’s Jonglei state have imposed a one-month ban on beers and other local brews, effective from 9 July.

Rising cases of insecurity, especially among drunken soldiers who often fire in the air, necessitated the ban, according to the county commissioner.

“There has been misbehavior by the SPLA [Sudan People’s Liberation Army]. When they are drunk, they just shoot anyhow in the air, scaring the community”, Dau Akoi told Sudan Tribune Saturday.

“We decided to ban alcoholic drinks for a period of one month [to see] if the situation will improve”, he added.

Twic East currently hosts several SPLA soldiers and organised forces within its headquarter, Panyangoor.

“At the end of the month, we shall sit and review the order. If the order is beneficial, [then] we shall now increase its period”, said the commissioner.

Akoi stressed that anyone found selling beer or the local brew would be arrested and judged in accordance with existing local by-laws of the country.

Sudanese traders largely dominate the local market in Panyagoor and dealing in alcoholic products is regarded a lucrative business. Most traders now sell alcohol in hiding for fear of being apprehended.

(ST).