Rwanda
As many as 714 churches and a mosque have been closed by authorities in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, the local news portal, New Times reported on Wednesday.
The closure of the places of worship was hinged on inadequate infrastructure, hygience and issues to do with safety standards.
A government official was quoted by the New Times as saying that the worship facilities had been asked to suspend operations till they could meet needed requirements.
“Worshiping should be done in an organised way and meet minimum standards. Exercising your freedom of worship should not encroach on other people’s rights. They have been asked to halt operations until they meet the requirements,” Justus Kangwagye is quoted to have said.
The crackdown is being carried out by respective urban district authorities in partnership with the Rwanda Governance Board.
The report says some churches were operating in tents and did not have adequate parking for the worshippers, who ended up parking on the side of the road and causing traffic jams.
The authorities also issued a warning to churches that make noise and disturb peace in residential neighbourhoods.
02:13
Congo and Rwanda sign a US-mediated peace deal aimed at ending decades of bloody conflict
00:54
African Human Rights court says it can hear case brought by DRC against Rwanda
01:20
Somalia launches Centennial Vision 2060 roadmap for 'peace, prospertity and progress'
11:14
Rwanda Walks Away: what’s behind the Central Africa rift? [Business Africa]
02:20
In Brazil, knights and masked riders take to a football pitch for religious festival
01:21
Scorching heat challenges pilgrims at mount Arafat during sacred Hajj ritual