Cameroon Closing A Number of Unregistered Christian Churches

Voice of America and the Cameroon Tribune report that in the west African nation of Cameroon the government has begun closing down a number of illegal Christian churches which it says are engaging in activities that are a threat to public order. The churches say that they have been targeted because their pastors have criticized the government of President Paul Biya. However, the government contends that the churches have engaged in a variety of improper activities from disturbing neighborhoods by use of loud speakers and instruments, to dividing families. Cameroon law requires government approval and registration of religious groups that wish to operate in the country. (Background.) The government says that the churches being closed have not registered and do not intend to do so.