By
Adonis Byemelwa
In
a dramatic enforcement of health and safety regulations, over 4,000 churches
have been shut down in Rwanda, highlighting a significant regulatory move that
predominantly affects small Pentecostal churches and a few mosques.
This action, executed by local authorities and
the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), is the first major crackdown since a law was
enacted five years ago to regulate the proliferation of places of worship.
"This
is not being done to prevent people from praying but to ensure the safety and
tranquillity of worshippers," stated Minister of Local Government Jean
Claude Musabyimana. The recent enforcement targets churches that fail to meet
health and safety standards, including those not properly soundproofed or
operating in hazardous locations like caves and riverbanks.
The
2018 legislation mandates that religious institutions operate in an organized
and safe manner, prohibiting the use of loud public address systems, and
requiring preachers to have theological training before opening a church. When
the law was first adopted, approximately 700 churches were closed.
Rwandan
President Paul Kagame, who recently won a fourth term with 99% of the vote,
remarked that the country did not need an excessive number of worship houses,
suggesting that such a high number was more suited to developed economies
capable of sustaining them.
"The
government has taken a stance against the proliferation of houses of worship.
We still see cases of dilapidated structures and unhygienic conditions,"
noted RGB chief Usta Kayitesi. Among the 4,223 closed places of worship, 427
were operating in caves. Some of these establishments exposed worshippers to
significant risks, such as those operating in tents.
The
proliferation of small, independent churches in Africa can be attributed to
several factors. Many charismatic preachers claim to perform miracles, drawing
large congregations. This, combined with the lack of stringent regulatory
frameworks in some regions, allows these basilicas to mushroom rapidly.
The
promise of miracles and divine intervention appeals to many people facing
economic hardship and social challenges, creating fertile ground for the rapid
spread of such churches.
Parallel
regulatory actions have been observed in Tanzania, where the government ordered
the closure of the Christian Life Church in Dar es Salaam.
The
church, led by Pastor Dominique Kashoix Dibwe, also known as "Kiboko ya
Wachawi" (The Witch-Hunter's Scourge), was closed for violating
registration regulations.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in a letter
dated July 25, 2024, cited teachings that incite panic and promote harmful
practices as reasons for the closure.
"The church's activities have been found to contravene Section 17 of the Civil Societies Act, and its teachings cause panic in the community and go against Tanzanian morals, customs, and culture," stated the letter from the Registrar of Civil Societies, Emmanuel Kihampa.
The
letter also highlighted a fee of Sh500,000 for prayer services as a violation
of Christian beliefs and church rules. The closure has led to increased
security around the church, and many items have been removed following the shutting
order.
Historical
precedents of such closures in Tanzania include the Fahamu Kazi na Nguvu za
Roho Church, which shut down in 2019 for spreading false prophecies, and the
Kanisa la GRC Ministries, which closed the same year over financial misconduct.
In
2020, the Kanisa la EAGT Mito ya Baraka was shut down for non-compliance with
health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In
Mwanza, the government suspended the Mfalme Zumaridi’s church activities in
2019 due to violations of traditions and religious teachings.
Diana
Bundala, self-styled as "Mfalme Zumaridi" (God of the world), faced
multiple allegations, including human trafficking and illegal worship. Her
followers, who adored her works, witnessed daily services where she claimed to
heal ailments.
"I
live near her church in Iseni; during prayer sessions, we on many occasions
witnessed believers lying down on their face and then she would walk on their
backs until she reached the altar," says Rosemary Paul, a resident of
Iseni Street in Mwanza.
Diana Bundala's arrest came after a video
surfaced showing her followers harassing police officers, leading to her
detention along with 149 church members.
The
recent actions against these churches draw parallels to the year 2000 tragic
case of Joseph Kibwetere in Uganda. Kibwetere led a doomsday cult that resulted
in the deaths of hundreds of followers, underlining the need for stringent
regulation of religious institutions to prevent such tragedies. These closures
aim to safeguard the public while ensuring religious practices adhere to legal
and ethical standards.
Rwanda's
ongoing operation, which has seen the closure of thousands of places of
worship, reflects a broader trend in Africa where governments are increasingly
taking steps to regulate the rapid proliferation of churches. This trend is
partly driven by the need to ensure the safety and well-being of worshippers,
as well as to curb the spread of potentially harmful practices.
The
closure of the Christian Life Church in Tanzania also points to the challenges
posed by some religious leaders who exploit the faith of their followers for
personal gain. Pastor Dibwe, known for his dramatic exorcisms and claims of
supernatural powers, has faced accusations of inciting violence and charging
exorbitant fees for prayer services.
"We
have seen an increase in churches that operate without proper regulation, often
exploiting vulnerable people," says Emmanuel Kihampa. "The
government's actions are necessary to protect the public and maintain
order."
The
rise of Pentecostal churches in Africa can be attributed to various
socio-economic factors. Many people turn to these churches in search of hope
and solutions to their problems, whether it be illness, poverty, or social
issues.
The
charismatic nature of Pentecostal preachers, who often claim to have direct
communication with God and the ability to perform miracles, attracts large
followers. However, the lack of oversight and regulation in many regions has
led to the emergence of churches that operate outside the bounds of legal and
ethical standards.
In
Rwanda, the government's crackdown is a response to concerns about the safety
and structural integrity of many small churches. "We want to ensure that
all places of worship meet the required standards to guarantee the safety of
worshippers," says Minister Musabyimana. The government's firm stance is a
reminder to all religious institutions that they must comply with regulations
or face closure.
Africa's
rapid urbanization and social change underscore the significant role of
religious institutions. Balancing freedom of worship with regulatory needs is
crucial, as governments must ensure that religious practices do not compromise
public safety or exploit vulnerable populations, noted Dr. Benjamin Simon, a
former German lecturer at Tumaini University Makumira.
The
closures in Rwanda and Tanzania highlight the complexities involved in
regulating religious institutions. While the actions taken may be seen as
necessary to protect the public, they also raise questions about religious
freedom and the right to worship. It is a delicate balance that requires
careful consideration and a commitment to upholding both safety and freedom.
To
wrap up the discussion, one can say that, the recent closures of churches in
Rwanda and Tanzania reflect a broader effort to regulate the proliferation of
religious institutions and ensure the safety and well-being of worshippers.
These actions underscore the need for stringent regulatory frameworks to
prevent the exploitation of faith and to safeguard public safety. As
governments in Africa navigate the challenges posed by the rapid growth of
religious institutions, the balance between regulation and religious freedom
remains a key consideration.
