Côte d’Ivoire: Who really benefits from the decision to ban the import of energy drinks?
The Ivorian authorities have decided to ban the importation and sale of alcoholic energy drinks, citing their abusive use among young people who often mix them with psychoactive substances.
It’s a positive step when a government prioritizes the health of its population, especially when there are clear dangers involved. Before the authorities took action on the issue of the « Kadhafi cocktail » involving alcoholic energy drinks and tramadol, there was a significant campaign of attack, scorn, and denigration on social media and some traditional media against these popular drinks. It later surfaced that much of this was orchestrated by a competing company.
Following this, authorities began cracking down on vendors of alcoholic energy drinks, accompanied by raids and intimidation tactics by law enforcement. Some vendors were extorted of large sums of money by corrupt officials to prevent their merchandise from being seized. However, the situation took a turn for the worse.
What’s paradoxical about this ban on importing energy drinks is that a French company’s name frequently surfaces in investigations as being behind this unjust project. This company intends to introduce new products in the Ivorian market, potentially overshadowing its competitors.
This situation raises questions among many about whether public health concerns are the sole reason behind the government’s decision to ban these imports or if there are other motivations at play. Health reasons alone seem insufficient, especially when more harmful alcoholic products remain available for sale in the country.
Hopefully, the authorities reconsider this unpopular decision in favor of promoting fair competition.
