The Governor of Western Equatoria suspended all Jehovah’s Witnesses activities in the State and closed their offices over their refusal to register for the referendum.
Governor Joseph Bakosoro announced the shutdown under pressure from civil society groups from many parts of the state that denounced the sect’s refusal to register and accused it of being backed by the NCP, SCR News correspondent reported.All Jehovah’s Witnesses offices were closed in Yambio and in the ten counties of Western Equatoria and the faithful are not allowed to conduct any public worship services including Sunday prayers.
Mr. Bakosoro announced that additional steps would be taken against the Jehovah’s Witnesses after the referendum concluded.
Jehovah’s Witnesses leaders did not reacted publicly to the shutdown.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses are in Western Equatoria before the SPLA conquered it in 1990 and they have a strong community in Yambio.