Over the past month, authorities in Rwanda have taken action to close down more than 4,000 churches and a few mosques due to non-compliance with health and safety regulations. The closures have primarily impacted small Pentecostal churches, many of which were located in unconventional places like caves or along riverbanks.
Jean Claude Musabyimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government, addressed concerns about the crackdown, stating, “This is not being done to prevent people from praying but to ensure the safety and tranquillity of worshipers.” His comments, made to state media, reflect the government’s stance that the enforcement of regulations is necessary for public welfare.
This recent action signifies a significant step in enforcing a law that was adopted five years ago to address the rapid growth of places of worship. This legislation ensures that all religious establishments operate in an organised and safe manner, with guidelines for soundproofing and the restriction of loud public address systems. In addition, it is required that all preachers have theological training before they can open a church.
When the legislation was first put into effect in 2018, it unfortunately resulted in the closure of approximately 700 churches. President Paul Kagame stated that Rwanda did not need a large number of houses of worship, as he believed that this was more suitable for wealthier nations that could support them. Kagame, who has recently won a fourth term in office by a significant margin, governs a country where critics argue that there is limited freedom of speech and a tightly controlled society.
The recent closures are being conducted by local urban authorities in partnership with the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB). The authorities have firmly stated that churches have been given sufficient time to comply with the regulations. Usta Kayitesi, the chief of RGB, told the New Times, “The government has taken a stance against proliferation in the houses of worship. We still see cases of dilapidated [structures] and unhygienic conditions.”
The churches that were impacted were often housed in temporary structures, such as tents, which presented potential safety concerns for those attending services. Musabyimana pointed out these concerns, mentioning that certain worshippers were being exposed to the elements and other hazards because of insufficient facilities. According to reports from the privately owned Kinyarwanda-language news site Igihe, the crackdown has led to the closure of 4,223 places of worship, including 427 that were located in caves.
Rwanda has a predominantly Christian population, with a significant number of citizens also following traditional beliefs. Charismatic preachers and claims of miracle-working have contributed to the significant growth of Pentecostal churches across Africa in recent years. Although some of these churches attract a large number of worshippers every Sunday, others are smaller and may not have obtained the necessary planning permission.
