The constitution provides for the right to choose, practice, and change one’s religion. There were continued reports that village leaders resisted attempts by new religious groups to establish themselves in village communities, forbade individuals to belong to churches outside their village, and did not permit individuals to abstain from participating in worship services.
There was reportedly strong societal pressure at village and local levels to participate in church services and other activities, and in some cases to give large proportions of household income to support church leaders and projects.
The U.S. embassy discussed religious freedom with the government and maintained contacts with representatives of various religious groups.