Rwanda Shuts Down Over 8,000 Churches and Mosques Under New Religious Law

The Rwandan Governance Board has taken decisive action by shutting down over 8,000 churches and mosques across the country.

This crackdown follows the implementation of a 2018 law that imposes strict regulations on religious institutions.

The law requires that all religious buildings be adequately soundproofed and mandates that religious leaders hold a degree in theology, among other stipulations.

The move comes after President Paul Kagame voiced concerns about the rapid proliferation of places of worship in Rwanda. He argued that the country did not need so many religious institutions, which led to the introduction of the new law.