Over 4,000 churches have been shut down over the last month in Rwanda for not complying with set down health and safety regulations. Some of these regulations which they defaulted included not being properly soundproofed.
The shut down has affected majorly small Pentecostal churches and a few mosques, with some of them operating from caves or on river banks.
This is the first major crackdown since a law came in five years ago to regulate the rapid increase of places of worship.
This law mandates requires them to operate in an organised way and in a safe environment, with loud public address systems being outlawed.
It also compels all preachers to undergo theological training before opening a church.
What They’re Saying
The Minister of Local Government Jean Claude Musabyimana had told state media;
“This is not being done to prevent people from praying but to ensure the safety and tranquillity of worshipers.”
“Some of the churches that had been shut down operated in tents, exposing worshippers to risks.” Musabyimana continued.
In Rwanda, a vast majority are Christians but a lot more also follow traditional practices.
