Rwanda Closes 10,000 Churches in Major Crackdown on Religious Organizations

The Rwandan government has reportedly closed about 10,000 churches across the country for failing to comply with a 2018 law regulating faith-based organizations. This sweeping action underscores an increasingly stringent approach to religious oversight and governance within the nation.

According to the 2018 legislation, places of worship are mandated to meet strict health and safety standards, submit annual activity and financial reports, and ensure that all preachers possess formal theological degrees. These measures were ostensibly designed to enhance accountability and transparency within the rapidly growing religious sector.

President Paul Kagame has been vocal in his criticism of the evangelical movements proliferating in the country, recently labeling some a “den of bandits” and accusing them of “thieving” from the poor. “If it were up to me, I wouldn’t even reopen a single church,” he stated during a recent news briefing, emphasizing the government’s commitment to regulating what he sees as exploitative practices.

However, critics and political analysts argue that this crackdown is as much about political control as it is about public safety. They contend that the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) often “bristles when an organization or individual gains significant social influence” outside of state structures. The closure of churches is viewed by some as a strategy to suppress dissent and consolidate power, particularly in a society where religion has played a pivotal role in community life.

One notable example highlighted by critics is Grace Room Ministries, which once commanded large audiences in Kigali, filling stadiums three times a week before its license was revoked in May 2025 for alleged “unauthorized evangelical activities.” This incident illustrates the precarious position of religious organizations in Rwanda, caught between fervent faith and the government’s stringent regulatory environment.

The implications of this mass closure are profound, affecting not only the communities reliant on these churches for spiritual guidance but also altering the social fabric of the nation. Many Rwandans view their churches as places of refuge and community support, particularly in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide where religious organizations played critical roles in healing and rebuilding.

As the government tightens its grip on religious institutions, observers worldwide will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold. The balance between public safety, political authority, and individual freedom remains a contentious issue in Rwanda, reflecting a broader struggle that resonates across many nations today.

In navigating this complex landscape, the Rwandan government’s actions will likely provoke ongoing debate about the nature of religious freedom and the role of faith in public life. The outcome of this crackdown may well set a precedent for how governments engage with religious entities moving forward.

The closing of thousands of churches marks not just a compliance issue, but potentially a transformational moment in Rwandan history, as the interplay between governance and spirituality continues to evolve in the face of changing societal norms.

By Newsroom
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.