Rwanda has initiated a significant safety crackdown, closing over 4,000 churches in the past month due to non-compliance with health and safety standards, such as inadequate soundproofing.

According to the BBC, the closures predominantly affected smaller Pentecostal churches and some mosques, with a few operating in unconventional locations like caves or riverbanks.

Jean Claude Musabyimana, the Minister of Local Government, told state media: "This is not being done to prevent people from praying but to ensure the safety and tranquillity of worshipers."

This move marks the first substantial enforcement since legislation introduced five years ago aimed at regulating the surge in places of worship. The law mandates organised operation within a safe environment and restricts the use of loudspeakers. It also requires preachers to undergo theological training before establishing a church.

Initially, about 700 churches were closed when the law was implemented in 2018.

President Paul Kagame then commented on the excessive number of worship houses, suggesting that Rwanda's economy could not support them comparably to more affluent nations.

Kagame's governance has been described as tightly controlled, with critics pointing out limited freedom of expression.

In an interview with The New Times RGB chief Usta Kayitesi said: “The government has taken a stance against proliferation in the houses of worship. We still see cases of dilapidated [structures] and unhygienic conditions,”

To date, 4,223 places of worship have been shut down, including 427 located in caves, as reported by Igihe news site.