Rwandan authorities have closed 185 churches in Musanze district as part of a nationwide crackdown on places of worship failing to meet legal standards, a government official announced on Friday.
Jean Claude Musabyimana, Rwanda’s local government minister, stated that the closures followed an inspection conducted earlier this week. The affected churches were found to be non-compliant with required legal standards, putting worshippers’ lives at risk.
‘The churches were closed for failing to comply with required legal standards, exposing lives of worshippers to unnecessary risks,’ Musabyimana said. He emphasised that the move is not an attack on religious freedom but a necessary measure to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Requirements for church operations in Rwanda include registration with the Rwanda Governance Board, adequate infrastructure, sanitation facilities, lightning conductors, and adherence to safety standards. Additionally, churches must install soundproof technology to prevent noise pollution.
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Most of the closed churches were Pentecostal, with many found in dilapidated conditions. This marks the second significant crackdown on places of worship in Rwanda. In 2018, over 700 churches were shut down for operating illegally.
The law determining the organisation and functioning of faith-based organisations in Rwanda mandates that all preachers have theological training before opening a church. The government had given church leaders five years to comply with these legal standards, but many failed to meet the requirements.
The number of Pentecostal churches has been growing in recent years across the continent, often led by charismatic preachers who promise miracles to their followers. This latest crackdown highlights Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring that places of worship adhere to safety and legal standards.
