Rwanda Cracks Down on Churches and Mosques Over Health and Safety Violations

By Ollus Ndomu

Rwanda has intensified its crackdown on churches and mosques, leading to the closure of over 5,600 places of worship for failing to comply with health and safety regulations. The violations range from inadequate soundproofing to broader safety concerns.

This move primarily targets small Pentecostal churches and a few mosques, continuing the government’s strict regulatory approach toward religious institutions.

The latest enforcement actions come five years after Rwanda implemented a law aimed at regulating places of worship. At that time, President Paul Kagame stressed the need for more industrial development over an abundance of religious establishments, stating that the country required factories rather than numerous places of worship.

This wave of closures reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to enforcing these regulations, sparking debates over religious freedom and public safety.

Critics argue that the closures disproportionately affect smaller, less affluent congregations, while supporters claim the measures are necessary to ensure safety and order.

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Ollus Ndhomu

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