BRAZZALILLE (AFP) – The Republic of Congo announced a 45-day ban on weddings on Wednesday, a move that would help stem the spread of the coronavirus.
“Civil, religious and traditional marriage and dowry ceremonies will be suspended for a period of 45 days,” said Communication Minister Thierry Moungalla in a statement read on public television.
The central African country, also known as Congo-Brazzaville to distinguish it from the much larger Democratic Republic of Congo, is facing a third wave of the virus, he said, citing his national anti-corruption team.
“This extremely worrying and serious situation is largely due to a general decline in public support for distancing measures,” he said.
The drop is “particularly visible at wakes, weddings and other celebrations on public transport”, he said, criticizing the “almost lack” of controls to correct such behavior.
Local rights activist Tresor Nzila told AFP the ban was “disproportionate and ineffective” and a “further attack” on freedoms.
Congo, a country of around 5.5 million people, has officially registered 15,445 cases of COVID-19 since March 14, 2020, including 222 fatalities, according to figures released on Sunday.
