VOICES OF THE PEOPLE / VOX POP : Alcohol Consumers Urge Government to Restore Security and Create Jobs in Yei

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) -Some residents who consume alcohol in Yei River County have criticised a recent government decision to ban the sale of alcoholic spirits, urging authorities to instead prioritise security and job creation.

Last week, local authorities in Yei town publicly destroyed several plastic containers of alcoholic gin and confiscated tramadol drugs. Officials said the operation was intended to curb crime and enforce public health regulations.

However, the move has drawn mixed reactions from sections of the community.

A local resident, who identified himself only as Duku, expressed dissatisfaction with the ban, saying alcohol consumption is often a coping mechanism in the absence of employment opportunities.

“We drink not to cause problems, but to relieve stress because there are no jobs or even casual work available in the town,” he said. “The government should focus more on creating opportunities for young people.”

Another resident, Amos, supported the government’s action against harmful substances but emphasised the need for improved security to enable livelihoods.

“We cannot travel to the villages because of insecurity. What we need is peace so that we can engage in farming and produce food for the country,” he said. “Let the government create jobs for the youth who currently have little to do.”

Meanwhile David, a 38-year-old resident from Sobe area, described the ban as a violation of his personal freedoms. He argued that many consumers drink responsibly without causing disturbances.

“We drink responsibly and do not fight or create problems in the community,” he said. “I am not happy with the decision to stop us from drinking. We live peacefully with everyone.”

According to David, they are ready to abandon drinking alcoholic spirits, if there opportunities to work in farming, construction of roads, community development projects once peace and stability returns to Yei River County.

On the other hand, civil society actors have welcomed the government’s intervention.

Modi Arkangelo, Chairperson of the Yei Civil Society Forum, supported the ban, citing concerns over the negative impact of drug and alcohol abuse, including rising crime rates and school dropouts.

Speaking to Access Radio on Monday, Arkangelo called on authorities to strengthen enforcement measures to ensure lasting results.

“It should not end with this exercise alone. We expect continuous operations, at least on a monthly basis, to ensure sustained impact,” he said. “This will help reduce crimes linked to substance abuse in the community.”

Authorities have yet to issue further guidance on how the ban will be enforced in the long term, as residents continue to call for broader solutions to insecurity and unemployment in the area.