South Sudanese President Salva Kiir skipped Mass at Kator Cathedral in Juba on Sunday, one day after his forces shut down the Church’s Radio Bakhita FM.
The president, who regularly attends Sunday Mass at the cathedral, was not seen there, according to a worshipper.
Juba Archdiocese runs Bakhita Radio, which was closed by President Kiir’s security personnel on Saturday.
The Catholic station, which describes itself as a “voice of peace”, is one of the most popular stations in South Sudan’s capital city.
It remained off-air throughout the day on Sunday. The shutdown is expected to continue into Monday.
Government sources say the president did not know about the shutdowns, as the decision was taken by an official.
The reason for the shutdown is believed to be the radio station reflecting views of an opposition party.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch allege the clampdown on media freedom in South Sudan is related to a “cover-up” of mass killings carried out by government forces.
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