RGB reported that 4,223 places of worship, mostly churches, were closed immediately due to non-compliance with legal requirements and regulations governing faith-based organizations.
The inspection criteria included verifying that churches have registration documents issued by RGB, a cooperation agreement with the district for opening a branch, ensuring the church building meets local construction laws, and confirming that leaders possess appropriate academic qualifications in theology.
The faith-based organization's closures continue nationwide, with 348 churches in Kigali City alone found to be non-compliant. These closures followed an inspection of approximately 700 churches to ensure they met legal requirements.
The Eastern Province has the highest number of closed churches, with 2,040 out of 3,736 inspected by August 1, 2024. Additionally, 427 unauthorised structures used for worship in the Eastern Province have also been closed.
The Governor of the Eastern Province, Pudence Rubingisa told IGIHE that religious leaders and churches should comply with RGB's regulations and laws.
'Our advice during these times is to follow RGB's regulations and requirements. They should think about the safety of their followers. You cannot go to a cave or a goat pen and expect to be safe,' he said.
In the Northern Province, 1,253 churches have been closed, including 288 in Burera, 144 in Gakenke, 318 in Gicumbi, 211 in Musanze, and 292 in Rulindo.
The Governor of the Southern Province, Kayitesi Alice, revealed to IGIHE that 582 churches in the province have been closed due to non-compliance. By press time, the exact number of affected churches in the Western Province could not be verified.
The Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana, explained that the renewed effort to inspect churches is based on previous inspections from 2018, where certain requirements were not met by some.
'In recent days, we have seen escalating cases of people praying in prohibited places, putting their lives at risk. We have seen people praying in unsuitable places, and we wanted to check if all requirements have been implemented,' the minister stated.
He also explained that it is the responsibility of local authorities to ensure that activities carried out in the country are done legally and provide security for those involved. Rwanda Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga told the media that many churches across the country were closed due to failure to ensure the safety of their attendees.
Key requirements for a church to be reopened once closed, include a vehicle and personal screening equipment, fire extinguishers and alarms, and noise control measures.
Regarding noise pollution, sounds from instruments and voices in the church should be regulated.
Rutikanga stated that no one outside the church should be inconvenienced, which is why the church must have soundproof provisions.
Churches must also have a spacious outdoor assembly area for emergency evacuations. This area should be paved in urban settings and a green space in rural locations.
Other requirements stipulated by the law and regulations governing faith-based organizations include that a parish-level church must be led by someone with a university degree in theology.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/religion/article/over-4-000-churches-closed-in-rwanda-for-non-compliance
