August 5, 2024
Cosmina Timofte
Source of Picture: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/rwanda-closes-185-illegal-churches-/3293488 (Retrieved August 5, 2024)
Because of a failure of the churches in Rwanda to comply with the health and safety regulations imposed by the Government, to include failure to soundproof the buildings, more than 4000 worship buildings were shut down. This has affected mostly the Pentecostal worshippers, along with a number of Islamic citizens who could not enter the mosques. According to the sources of information, some of the churches "were operating out of caves or on the banks of rivers" (Wycliffe, 2024). The affected churches are located in the "Muzane District of Northern Rwanda". (Tasamba, 2024)
The Government officials claim this shutdown was ordered with the sole purpose of "ensuring the safety and tranquility of worshippers", as claimed by Jean Claude Musabyimana for the press (Musabyimana, apud, Wycliffe, 2024). Since the protection of individuals is the main duty of the State organizations, these actions seem to abide by the health and safety regulations, especially considering that the citizens could be at risk while in the church. This is considered a "major crackdown", especially following the years when a law was passed for the purpose of "regulating the proliferation of the places of worship" (Wycliffe, 2024) Additionally, the regulations are considering the impact over the public space, concerning the noise that could be propagated, and, therefore, affecting the locals in the area. From this point of view, it is natural to understand the fact that the public authorities are doing their best to protect the citizens from recurring issues that could negatively impact them. This is an ongoing operation, where the involvement of the local authorities is permanent, looking to relieve some of the problems caused to the citizens. Additionally, the authorities claim that the churches had a total of "five years to comply with the regulations" and bring their activities to a halt, prior to this intervention. (Wycliffe, 2024) As many as almost 4.500 places of worship have been shut down, out of which almost 500 were operating in caves, in unsanitary conditions. Many of them are operating without permission, as woshippers are attracted by charismatic preachers who claim they are able to perform miracles.
Other valid reasons for this significant shutdown are listed was "inadequate infrastructure, poor hygiene and safety standards" as these "do not meet the noise requirements, or have unqualified preachers" (Ndebele, 2024). All of these issues are considered to be massive threats both to the safety of the churchgoers, along with the ones operating within the confines of these buildings, in order to make the mass possible. Additionally, these can negatively affect the mental health of the attendees, especially considering the effects following the events organized by unqualified church personnel.
This major shutdown also has financial reasons, as according to the President, Paul Kagame, the Rwandan economy cannot afford supporting religious groups and finance their activities, in comparison to the potential of richer countries. The backlash quickly followed, with the citizens stating that their "freedom of expression has been limited" (Davies, 2024) It is important to understand both sides' points of view, since they both have valid reasons to engage in this conflict. On the one hand, the Government is doing whatever it can to protect the socio-economic interests of the citizens, while on the other, the locals want to feel included, by being enabled to participate in worshipping activities, most probably also aligning with their core values. However, lower taxes, along with directing investments in areas such as infrastructure, health and education would greatly benefit the citizens on the long run.
The Local Government Minister pointed that the move "is not an attack on the people's freedom of worship" (Tasamba, 2024), but, unfortunately, there has been major opposition and backlash from the citizens, who do not seem to grasp the reasons of the local authorities for these actions, and feel personally attacked.
Sources:
Davies, L., "4000 Churches Closed in Rwanda Amid Health and Safety Panic", Premier Christian News, [Online], available at: https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/4-000-churches-closed-in-rwanda-amid-health-and-safety-panic , accessed August 5, 2024
Ndebele, L., "Rwanda Shuts Down 185 Churches - So Far", News24, [Online], available at: https://www.news24.com/news24/africa/news/rwanda-shuts-down-185-churches-so-far-20240803, accessed August 5, 2024
Tasamba, J. "Rwanda Closes 185 Illegal Churches", AA Africa, [Online], available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/rwanda-closes-185-illegal-churches-/3293488#, accessed August 5, 2024
Wycliffe, M., "Rwanda Shuts Down 4000 Churches in Safety Crackdown", BBC, [Online], available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6p2p9dkdzxo , accessed August 5, 2024
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