Rwanda has ordered the closure of roughly 10,000 evangelical churches for failing to comply with a 2018 law that tightened health, safety and financial rules and required trained clergy. President Paul Kagame has criticised many evangelical groups—calling some "a den of bandits"—and officials say the move enforces standards and curbs rival influence. Observers link the campaign to broader political control and post‑genocide security concerns, while church leaders call for cooperation to help congregations meet requirements rather than blanket shutdowns.
“A Den of Bandits”: Rwanda Closes About 10,000 Evangelical Churches in Broad Crackdown
President Paul Kagame has been vocal in his criticisms of the evangelical churches (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS)(ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/AFP)
Grace Room Ministries, which once drew thousands to Kigali's BK Arena multiple times a week, was ordered closed in May as part of a sweeping government campaign that officials say has shuttered roughly 10,000 churches nationwide for failing to meet a 2018 law regulating places of worship.
What the Law Requires
The 2018 legislation tightened rules on health and safety, required clearer financial reporting and disclosure, and obliged preachers to hold recognised theological training. Authorities say many congregations—particularly rapidly growing evangelical groups—failed to comply with registration, safety and reporting requirements.
Government Justification and President Kagame's Comments
“If it were up to me I wouldn't even reopen a single church,” President Paul Kagame told reporters, questioning the role of some religious organisations amid Rwanda’s development needs and post‑conflict recovery.
At the same briefing he accused some churches of wrongdoing: “Many are just thieving... some churches are just a den of bandits.” The government frames closures as enforcement of standards and protection of public safety and finances.
Impact on Worshippers and Church Leaders
According to the 2024 national census, the majority of Rwandans identify as Christian. The closures have forced many worshippers to travel farther and pay more to attend services. Some church leaders say even congregations that tried to comply have had licences revoked, leaving communities shocked—especially in high-profile cases such as Grace Room Ministries and Pastor Julienne Kabanda, who had been drawing large crowds at BK Arena.
Analysts Warn of Political Motives
Outside analysts and domestic observers say the campaign also reflects political concerns. "The government is saying 'there's no rival in terms of influence'," Louis Gitinywa, a Kigali-based lawyer and political analyst, told AFP, arguing the ruling party reacts strongly when organisations or individuals build independent influence. An anonymous government official expressed a similar view.
Security Context and the Legacy of 1994
Some commentators link the crackdown to post‑genocide security anxieties. Ismael Buchanan, a political science lecturer at the National University of Rwanda, said religious spaces have at times been exploited for recruitment by armed groups such as the FDLR. He also questioned priorities in resource allocation: "It also makes no sense to have a church every two kilometres instead of hospitals and schools," he said.
Calls for Cooperation, Not Blanket Closures
Pastors such as Sam Rugira argue the government should work with congregations to address safety and financial compliance, isolating and removing "bad apples" rather than shutting down large numbers of faith communities. Critics say a more collaborative approach could protect worshippers while upholding rules designed to ensure safety and transparency.
Ongoing debate: The closures have prompted a national debate over religious freedom, public safety, political influence and how best to balance regulation with the important social roles many churches play in Rwanda’s recovery.
