Moses Maker Magok, Commissioner of Rumbek North County, issued an order through his authority on March 3, 2025 to ban all alcoholic spirit distillation and shisha smoking within the county territory of South Sudan’s Lakes State.
Substance abuse problems among young people have risen to dangerous levels as they connect to heightened conflict and criminal activities so this program seeks to resolve the situation.
Commissioner Magok observed that locally made spirits drive major disturbances throughout the community. Intoxicated youths frequently lose their capacity to control themselves which results in fights along with violent incidents according to him.
Local leaders together with chiefs and women and youth members of Malueth Payam successfully reduced alcohol consumption which brought improved public order to the area.
The alcohol ban specifically addresses potent alcohol production and shisha usage but leaves space for sorghum-based traditional alcoholic drinks known as “white beer” to remain legal. The ban exempts local traditional beverages because Commissioner Magok considers them less damaging while still being essential cultural traditions.
The commissioner instructed County Police leader Brigadier General Majak Ador and other organized forces to strictly implement the new regulations. The administration demonstrates its dedication to peacekeeping in the county through this united enforcement effort.
The community sectors endorse the implemented ban. John Machiek Kuclong represented the youth by endorsing the commissioner’s alcohol ban because alcohol fuels multiple community issues according to him. The youth representative communicated their commitment to work together with authorities in order to implement the alcohol prohibition successfully.
Women’s leader Martha Alook Bol believed the alcohol ban would establish peace in the community though she knows many women need distilling as their primary source of income. The bans were necessary because alcohol produced various adverse effects such as cattle thefts and revenge attacks she explained.
History shows that such prohibitions have been implemented multiple times throughout this particular region. The Rumbek Central County Commissioner Dut Makoi Kuok issued a townwide ban on shisha usage through his official declaration in June 2010 because such activities posed security threats and involved illegal substances.
As part of substance abuse management the Lakes State Governor issued an order in March 2013 to shut down every bar and liquor store in Rumbek.
Alcohol-related violence remains an urgent problem which affects the region substantially. The Rumbek East County Commissioner Mangar Machuol Malok executed a prohibition against alcohol sales and consumption in the entire county territory starting June 2024. The local authorities introduced this prohibition to deal with youth behavioural problems stemming from alcohol use.
Commissioner Moses Maker Magok demonstrates progress through his proactive steps that address the primary factors leading to violence and instability in Rumbek North County.
The local administrative body focuses on attacking substance abuse origins to create an environment that is both protected and well-balanced for its citizens.
