Rumbek North bans alcohol after fatal clashes
Three people died and two were injured during a peace dialogue in Lakes State when armed youths attacked.
Authorities in Rumbek North County, Lakes State, have banned the brewing and sale of local alcohol following clashes that killed three people and wounded two. The violence erupted Tuesday evening at Malueth Payam headquarters during a peace dialogue facilitated by Caretaker County Commissioner Buoi Mayek.
Commissioner Mayek stated that armed youths, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, initiated the conflict between the Pan Adieng and Payueth sub-clans. He has given local chiefs seven days to identify and hand over those responsible for the attacks for investigation. Offenders caught brewing alcohol or possessing ingredients face three months in detention.
Daniel Laat Kon, a coordinator for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) in Lakes State, condemned the killings and urged the government to disarm armed youths and regulate alcohol. He warned that the combination of firearms and alcohol contributes to killings as South Sudan approaches general elections.
Why it mattersThe ban on alcohol brewing and sale in Rumbek North County follows clashes that killed three people and wounded two.