The authority of the Abyei municipality has launched an initiative banning consumption of locally made and imported alcohols across the contested Abyei area between Sudan and South Sudan.

Arop Alor, a Director General of local government in the Abyei administration, told Radio Tamazuj that the decision is effective after they had exhaustive discussions on the issue within the administration in full coordination with Ajan Tok women’s group.

“The quantities of various types of alcohols in the Abyei area is more than the number of people returning to Abyei can consume; therefore problems arise” Alor says.

The authorities confirmed that the decision was taken in order to curb insecurity in the area caused by alcohol consumers. The official also revealed that the campaign will continue to ban consumption of alcohol in the Abyei area.

“We have decided to take the initiative in order to reduce alcohol consumption, as well as to control the little children from being homeless,” one of the Ajan Tok women said.

The Ajan Tok women’s group in Abyei was formed following the assassination of the Ngok Dinka paramount chief Kuol Deng Kuol.