S.Sudan: Mosques reopen after COVID-19 suspension

JUBA, South Sudan

Muslims in South Sudan resumed prayers in mosques on Friday after they had been halted since March to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Abdallah Braj Rwal, head of the South Sudan Islamic Council, announced that mosques would be gradually reopened, adding that mandatory health guidelines would apply during worship.

"We began the gradual reopening of the places of worship first with Kuwait mosque. We want the worshippers to observe the provided health protocols such as wearing face masks and social distancing," Rwal told reporters in South Sudanese's capital Juba.

The high-level task force on COVID-19 in March imposed a countrywide lockdown that barred prayer gatherings in both churches and mosques.

According to the Islamic council, the reopening of mosques comes following consultations with the National Taskforce on the Coronavirus.

"All Muslim worshipers should observe the required COVID-19 protocols. The mosque will host half of its capacity, like Kuwait mosque accommodates about 3,000 people, meaning only 1,500 worshipers will pray in the mosque," said Rwal.

So far, South Sudan has recorded 2,519 cases of the coronavirus, while the death toll has reached 47.

Two weeks ago, President Salva Kiir promised religious leaders that he would soon allow believers to congregate in places of worship.