Côte D’Ivoire: A look back at the energy drinks affair: what are the Ivorian authorities planning?

In a few days, precisely four, the Ivorian authorities’ decision regarding the suspension of alcoholic energy drinks will expire. So, what do the authorities plan, especially considering that this decision did not come about to preserve public health, as they attempt to portray?

For three months now, the issue of suspending stimulating beverages has been a topic of discussion.

The Ivorian authorities have been accused of engaging in unfair competition, favoring certain (French) breweries.

Additionally, corrupt officials have reportedly extorted honest merchants and distributors in this matter.

In this scheme, authorities have pointed to energy drinks as the cause of various issues among the youth, while the real problem lies elsewhere, namely, with Tramadol.

Indeed, energy drinks themselves are not harmful to health. It is their excessive consumption and the mixing that young people engage in that pose public health problems.

Today, investigations have shown that despite the suspension, young people continue to mix Tramadol with other alcoholic beverages.

This brings us back to the question posed at the beginning of the article. In reality, Energy Drinks pose no danger; rather, it is substances like Tramadol and others that do.

Will the Ivorian authorities maintain the suspension or lift it? And now, what measures will be taken to halt the importation, distribution, and commercialization of substances like Tramadol in the country?

Papa IBRAHIMA