Rwandan President Paul Kagame has defended his government’s decision to restrict the importation of some alcoholic drinks, saying Rwanda cannot “sit and watch” as harmful products put lives at risk.
Rwanda recently suspended 52 imported alcoholic products, including brands from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, citing public health concerns.
The decision has, however, triggered a regional trade dispute, with Kenya and Uganda questioning Rwanda’s justification for the restrictions.
The two countries argue that some of the affected products have been approved under East African Community safety standards and should therefore be allowed to move freely within the regional bloc.
Defending the restrictions, Kagame said Rwanda had a responsibility to protect its citizens from products it considers harmful, regardless of whether they have been approved elsewhere.
The dispute has raised questions about the balance between national public health policies and regional trade rules.
It also comes amid broader efforts by East African Community member states to strengthen regional integration and harmonise standards for goods traded across borders.
The controversy has prompted a wider debate over whether a country should be able to block products that meet regional safety requirements based on its own assessment that they pose a public health risk.
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