Rwanda has recently closed down over 4,000 churches for failing to meet health and safety regulations, such as lacking proper soundproofing.
This crackdown primarily affected small Pentecostal churches and a few mosques, some of which were operating in unconventional locations like caves or riverbanks. The government emphasized that the closures were not to restrict people from praying, but to ensure the safety and peaceful worship environment for attendees.
This enforcement follows a law implemented five years ago to regulate the proliferation of places of worship, requiring organized operations in safe environments and prohibiting the use of loud public address systems. Additionally, the legislation mandates theological training for all preachers before opening a church.
President Paul Kagame previously stated that Rwanda does not need an excessive number of houses of worship, suggesting that such numbers are more suitable for developed economies. The recent closures are part of an ongoing operation conducted by local urban authorities in collaboration with the Rwanda Governance Board, aiming to enforce compliance with regulations that churches have had five years to meet.
The closures were necessary due to concerns over dilapidated structures and unhygienic conditions in some churches, including those operating in tents. As of now, 4,223 places of worship have been shut down, with 427 of them being in caves. The majority of Rwandans are Christians, with a significant number also following traditional practices. Pentecostal churches, known for charismatic preachers claiming miraculous abilities, have seen rapid growth in various parts of Africa, ranging from large congregations to small, unauthorized structures.