The Rwandan government has closed over 10,000 churches nationwide in a crackdown aimed at enforcing the country’s 2018 religious regulation law, citing widespread non-compliance with safety, registration, and governance requirements.
The closures, largely affecting independent and evangelical Christian denominations, have reshaped the religious landscape, forcing worshippers to travel longer distances to attend services in approved churches. Smaller Pentecostal and independent ministries have borne the brunt of the enforcement. Mosques, by contrast, have largely remained unaffected.
Under the law, enforced by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), all faith-based organizations must formally register, operate from approved structures that meet safety standards, and ensure that religious leaders have recognised theological training. Authorities insist that the measures are intended to protect worshippers, promote accountability, and curb the unchecked growth of unregulated churches.
President Paul Kagame has defended the crackdown, describing some unregulated churches as exploitative and calling them a “den of bandits.” He argued that many of these institutions have financially exploited followers while contributing little to Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery or national development agenda.
The closures have sparked debate over religious freedom versus state oversight, with critics warning that smaller congregations may be disproportionately affected, while supporters argue the measures are necessary for public safety, ethical governance, and national cohesion.
Authorities say churches that comply with registration, safety, and governance requirements may reopen, and inspections remain ongoing. The government maintains that freedom of religion is protected under the constitution, stressing that compliance with national laws is essential to ensure safe and responsible worship.
