The Government of Rwanda has Shutdown Over 4,000 Churches for Health & Safety Violations

Rwandan authorities have closed over 4,000 churches and a few mosques owing to violation with health and safety rules.
Closures have largely affected small Pentecostal churches placed in unorthodox locations such as caves or riverbanks.

Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana, answered worries about the crackdown by saying,

“This is not being done to prevent people from praying, but to ensure the safety and tranquility of worshipers.” His comments to state media reflect the government’s position that enforcing regulations is vital for public welfare.

This current move is a significant step in enforcing a regulation passed five years ago to handle the fast development of places of worship. This legislation assures that all religious establishments are organized and safe, with soundproofing rules and restrictions on the use of loud public speaker systems. In addition, all preachers must have theological instruction before they may open a church.

When the Act went into force in 2018, it caused the closure of around 700 churches. President Paul Kagame remarked that Rwanda did not require a huge number of buildings of worship, believing that this was more suited to larger nations who could afford them.
Kagame, who recently won a fourth term in government by a considerable margin, runs a country that critics believe has limited freedom of speech and a closely controlled society.

The current closures are being carried out by local urban authorities in collaboration with the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB). The authorities have categorically indicated that churches have been given adequate time to comply with the requirements. Usta Kayitesi, the RGB leader, told the New Times, “The government has taken a stance against proliferation in houses of worship.” We still witness incidents of dilapidated structures and unsanitary circumstances.”

The affected churches were frequently housed in temporary structures, such as tents, which raised safety issues for those attending services. Musabyimana raised similar concerns, stating that certain worshippers were exposed to the outdoors and other hazards due to inadequate infrastructure. According to reports from the privately held Kinyarwanda-language news site light, the crackdown has resulted in the closure of 4,223 houses of worship, including 427 located in caves.

Rwanda’s population is largely Christian, however a substantial proportion of residents hold traditional faiths. Charismatic preachers and miracle-working claims have helped to drive the huge growth of Pentecostal churches across Africa in recent years. Although some of these churches attract a considerable number of attendees every Sunday, others are smaller and may not have had the requisite planning permits.