Religion is an important part of African culture. Perhaps because most African countries are largely underdeveloped, the church has become a place people turn to for answers and help.
However, this has also led to the proliferation of places of worship, most of which, critics argue, are more transactional than spiritual and pay little or no attention to the safety of their members.
Christianity is the dominant religion in Rwanda. The main denominations in the country are Catholicism and Protestantism; approximately 45% of the population identifies as Catholic and 35% as Protestant.
Recently, the Rwandan government led by President Paul Kagame did the unthinkable: it clamped down on more than 5,600 churches, including 100 rock-hewn churches. The reason? Non-compliance with health and safety standards, such as poor soundproofing, and the transactional nature of many places of worship.
Rwandan media outlet The News Times said the move is part of a two-week nationwide operation by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), which began on July 29.
Most of the religious organisations affected, according to RGB executive director Usta Kaitesi, lacked basic infrastructure and adequate hygiene and safety standards, while several others were operating illegally.
“This is a nationwide operation that is being carried out for those churches that continue to fail to comply with the law. As RGB, we are not discouraged by any effort to have adequate standards for places of worship. The idea is for people to understand that these are not healthy forms of worship.
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“It is not just a breach of the law, but it also endangers the lives of the faithful. The faithful should not be exposed to danger. According to the faith of most Christians, God is omnipresent; why should a faithful risk his life inside a cave?” Kaitesi said on public broadcaster RBA.
Fundamental reason
Rwanda’s law, enacted in 2018, requires places of worship to operate in a safe and organized environment. It abolishes the use of loud public address systems and requires all preachers to have theological training before opening a church. This is a step towards the safety and peace of mind of the faithful.
This is the biggest crackdown since the law was passed in 2018 to regulate the proliferation of places of worship.
In 2018, when the bill was passed, 700 churches were closed.
The Rwandan president said the country did not need many places of worship and argued that such a large number was only suitable for more developed economies with the means to sustain them.
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Mr Kagame, who has just won a fourth term in office with more than 99 per cent of the vote, claims to rule a tightly controlled society where his critics believe there is little freedom of expression.
The government has taken a firm stance against the proliferation of places of worship. Despite the crackdown, Kayitesi said there are still dilapidated structures and unsanitary conditions.
Although Pentecostal churches led by charismatic pastors have proliferated in Rwanda, some are huge and draw crowds of worshippers every Sunday due to the performance of miracles and prophecies. Others, however, are tiny structures that are poorly built without proper planning permission.