The constitution and laws prohibit religious discrimination and provide for freedom of religion, including the right to worship and to change religion. Although the law requires new religious groups to register, unregistered groups were able to operate freely. Some traditional chiefs stated they would not allow the operation of businesses in their jurisdictions by individuals who appeared to be associated with Islam. Non-Christian groups reported the government provided some benefits to Christians, such as free transportation to religious activities for Zionists and airtime on state television and radio for Christians, which it did not make available to them.
Religious leaders and media reports stated members of larger Christian groups sometimes discriminated against non-Christian religious groups, especially in rural areas where people generally held negative views on Islam. Many non-Muslims declined to patronize Muslim-owned businesses such as eateries. Two university graduates reported they were denied employment opportunities because of their religious beliefs and affiliation as Rastafarians.
The U.S. Ambassador and embassy representatives encouraged the promotion and protection of religious freedom in meetings with government officials. The embassy also met with religious groups and routinely engaged with religious leaders to discuss their religious freedom concerns.