4,000 churches and mosques are closed in this country. Here’s why! – New Tribune

Africa’s religious landscape, long marked by the uncontrolled proliferation of places of worship, is undergoing profound changes RwandaThis phenomenon is a symptom of an intense but sometimes disordered spiritual quest, often with harmful consequences for vulnerable groups. Individuals seeking meaning and hope become easy prey for charlatans who promise miracles and prey on gullibility and desperation to enrich themselves. This situation has not only caused personal tragedies, but also social tensions that have forced some governments to respond.

Unprecedented policing of religious landscapes

In this context, Rwanda More than 4,000 religious sites have been closed across the country in a massive operation led by the National Governance Office. Far from being an attack on religious freedom, the move is intended to bring order to a sector that has long been lawless. Authorities have particularly targeted small Pentecostal churches and several mosques, arguing that they do not meet new security and administrative standards.

Safety is the core concern

Safety topped the list of reasons used to justify these closures. Many places of worship have proven to be death traps, lacking basic equipment such as fire extinguishers or fire alarms. More worryingly, some live in cellars or dangerously close to waterways, exposing believers to unacceptable risks. These serious lapses have prompted authorities to take action, arguing that faith should not endanger the lives of believers.

Strengthening supervision of religious activities

Beyond the safety aspect, the closure also demonstrates a desire to professionalize and regulate religious activities. New regulations now require parish church leaders to have a university degree in theology. This measure is intended to guarantee that those who spiritually guide the faithful have a minimum level of knowledge and skills, thereby reducing the risk of sectarian deviation or dangerous teachings.

Authorities also stressed respect for the community by implementing strict soundproofing standards to limit noise pollution during prayer times, a rule that reflects a desire to reconcile religious practices and community life in a country where urban density continues to grow.

The massive move to regulate Rwanda’s religious landscape did not happen overnight. It is the culmination of a legislative process that began in 2018 under the leadership of President Paul KagameAt the time, the head of state argued that there were too many places of worship and called for a rationalization of the sector. The law subsequently passed gave existing institutions five years to comply with the standards. Apparently, for thousands of people, this delay was not enough.

Rwanda’s move could well be emulated across the continent. It raises fundamental questions about the balance between religious freedom and the state’s responsibility to protect its citizens. While some will see it as an attack on religious freedom, others will welcome a courageous approach aimed at cleaning up a sector that has long been left to its own devices. Regardless, the measure marks a turning point in the regulation of religion in Africa, paving the way for more regulated, safer religious practices, and perhaps better adapted to the challenges of the 21st century.