On 1 March, Rwanda ordered 700 churches in Kigali Province to suspend activities because of concerns over health and safety.
Under a newly proposed law the churches are expected to meet ‘basic requirements in terms of safety, hygiene, infrastructure and legality’, Justus Kangwagye, a Government official, said.
The churches, and one mosque, have been asked to suspend their activities until adjustments have been made. ‘Worshipping should be done in an organised way and meet minimum standards. Exercising your freedom of worship should not encroach on other people’s rights,’ he said.
Too strict
Church representatives said the authorities were being too strict. ‘Those that failed to implement a few requirements should be reopened and allowed to work while fixing the problems raised,’ said Bishop Innocent Nzeyimana, President of the Churches’ Forum in Nyarugenge district.
Many of the closed churches are small Pentecostal congregations, and a number were reported to have already been told they had inspectors’ approval to reopen.
