Rwanda shuts down 8,000 churches in nationwide crackdown

Kigali, Rwanda – In a controversial move aimed at regulating the mushrooming of religious institutions, the Rwandan government has shut down over 8,000 churches across the country.

The closures, which have sparked significant public debate, are part of an ongoing effort by the government to enforce stricter regulations on religious practices and ensure that places of worship adhere to safety and hygiene standards.

The crackdown began in early 2018 when authorities cited concerns over noise pollution, building safety, and the lack of proper permits as reasons for the closures.

The move is part of a broader campaign led by President Paul Kagame’s administration to standardize religious practices in Rwanda, which has seen a dramatic increase in the number of churches in recent years, many of which operate in informal settings.

According to Anastase Shyaka, the then-head of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), the government’s actions were not intended to stifle religious freedom but to protect the public. “We are trying to create a more orderly society where people’s security is guaranteed,” Shyaka said. “These are not orders from the government. We are simply enforcing regulations.”

The regulations include requirements for pastors to have theological education and for churches to meet minimum building standards. In some cases, churches were found to be operating in makeshift structures that posed significant safety risks to congregants.

While some Rwandans have welcomed the move as necessary for public safety, others have criticized it as an infringement on religious freedom. The closures have particularly affected smaller, independent churches, many of which serve impoverished communities and operate without the resources to meet the new standards quickly.

In response to the closures, several church leaders have called for dialogue with the government to find a more balanced approach that allows them to continue their operations while complying with the regulations. However, the Rwandan government has remained firm, emphasizing that the measures are in the best interest of the country’s development and safety.

The crackdown on churches is part of a broader trend in Rwanda, where the government has increasingly asserted control over various aspects of public life, including the media, civil society, and now religious institutions. Critics argue that this is part of a pattern of restricting freedoms, while supporters believe it is a necessary step toward modernization and order.

As the country moves forward with these regulations, the future of many small churches remains uncertain. The Rwandan government has indicated that churches that meet the required standards will be allowed to reopen, but the process may take time, leaving thousands of congregants without places of worship in the interim.

This development has also drawn attention from international observers, with some human rights organizations expressing concern over the potential implications for freedom of religion in Rwanda. However, the Rwandan government continues to defend its actions as necessary for the country’s progress.