South Sudan's Western Bahr El Ghazal State Implements Alcohol Ban, Sparking Regional Controversy

In a move that has stirred controversy and potential violations of East African Community (EAC) trade protocols, the government of Western Bahr El Ghazal State in South Sudan has issued a ban on several alcoholic beverages, most of which are imported from neighboring Uganda. According to Council of Ministers Resolution No. 18/2025, dated June 16 and signed by Secretary General Hillary Claudio Musa, the state has prohibited the importation, sale, and consumption of 16 specific alcohol brands and substances, including popular Ugandan exports such as Uganda Waragi, Royal Blue, Imperial Distilled Gin, and Boss Gin.

The resolution also outlaws local brews (Siko and Arcegi), cocktail blends, and banned narcotics like tramadol and crystal methamphetamine (referred to as "Ice"). This ban comes amid growing local concerns over public health, criminality, and social breakdown linked to substance abuse. However, the move has sparked immediate controversy over its legality within the framework of the EAC Customs Union and Common Market.

Trade analysts and regional diplomats have pointed out that the unilateral ban contravenes Article 75 of the EAC Treaty, which mandates the free movement of goods and prohibits non-tariff barriers between partner states. Uganda, whose alcohol exports contribute significantly to informal and formal cross-border trade, is expected to protest the decision.

"This is not just an internal policy—it amounts to a regional trade blockade," said a Kampala-based EAC trade negotiator who requested anonymity. "Banning specific Ugandan brands without due process or engagement at the regional level sets a dangerous precedent."

Diplomatic Setback
The timing of the resolution has further raised eyebrows in Kampala, given Uganda's pivotal role in supporting South Sudan's struggle for independence in the early 2000s and its continuing military and diplomatic support to stabilize the world's youngest nation.

"Uganda shed blood and treasure for South Sudan's liberation. For its products to now be banned without dialogue or scientific review is regrettable," said a Ugandan Foreign Affairs official familiar with the matter.

Ugandan traders in Nimule and Wau have already begun pulling stocks of the banned beverages off their shelves amid fears of confiscation and penalties. The resolution enforces harsh penalties for non-compliance: factories face fines of SSP 20 million and six months in prison; companies will pay SSP 10 million and face three months imprisonment; wholesalers and retailers face fines of SSP 5 million and SSP 2.5 million respectively, along with jail terms ranging from one to two months.

The implementation is to be overseen by the State Ministry of Trade, Industry & Mining, the South Sudan Police Service, and the National Security Service, among others. Uganda's Ministry of Trade is reportedly preparing a formal complaint to the South Sudanese national government and may seek redress through the East African Court of Justice if diplomatic engagement fails.

The regional fallout from this resolution is expected to reverberate in upcoming EAC ministerial meetings, particularly around the enforcement of the EAC Common Market Protocol and the need for dispute resolution mechanisms in intra-regional trade.