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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 45972, member: 636"] Western Bahr El Ghazal State has banned alcohol imports from Uganda. The action threatens trade relationships between the two East African nations. State officials signed Resolution 18/2025 on June 16 to stop 16 alcohol brands from entering their territory. The banned drinks feature popular Ugandan products like Uganda Waragi and Royal Blue. Local brews and illegal drugs also face prohibition under the new rules. Trade experts say the ban breaks regional commerce agreements. Article 75 of the East African Community Treaty requires free movement of goods between member countries. A trade negotiator calls the action a regional blockade that sets dangerous precedents. Uganda plans to file protests about the unilateral decision. The move damages diplomatic relationships that took years to build. Uganda supported South Sudan during its fight for independence. A foreign affairs official describes the ban as regrettable given Uganda's sacrifices for South Sudan's freedom. Traders have started removing banned products from their stores. They worry about facing steep fines and jail time. Officials made the decision without consulting Uganda first. Companies that break the new law face severe punishment. Factories must pay 20 million South Sudanese pounds and serve six months behind bars. Other businesses face smaller fines but still risk imprisonment. Enforcement involves multiple government agencies and police forces. Penalties range from one month to six months of jail time. Uganda prepares to challenge the ban through diplomatic channels. The country may seek help from the East African Court of Justice if talks fail. Regional ministers will likely discuss the dispute at upcoming meetings. The conflict highlights problems with current trade dispute systems. Future East African Community relationships depend on resolving this disagreement. [/QUOTE]

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