c.13.8 million

Christianity

c.12.8 million

The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), led by President Paul Kagame, has ruled the country since it ousted forces responsible for the 1994 genocide, ending the civil war that began in 1990. While the regime has maintained stability and economic growth, it has also suppressed political dissent through pervasive surveillance, intimidation, arbitrary detention, torture, and renditions or suspected assassinations of exiled dissidents. Rwanda scored a low 23 out of 100 in the Freedom House index for 2024. Rwanda’s 2003 constitution grants broad powers to the president, who has the authority to appoint the prime minister and dissolve the bicameral Parliament. Amendments passed in 2015 retained a two-term limit for the presidency and shortened terms from seven to five years. Incumbent Paul Kagame was explicitly made eligible for an additional seven-year term and could run for two new five-year terms. This would extend Kagame’s rule to 2034. While the constitution nominally protects freedom of the press, the government imposes legal restrictions and informal controls on the press sector. Rwandan journalists and outlets self-censor.

Religious freedom is constitutionally guaranteed, but the government has taken steps to assert greater control over religious institutions. A 2018 law requires religious organisations to obtain legal status from the RGB, to which they must submit extensive documentation. Thousands of places of worship, including churches and mosques, have been closed for allegedly violating health, safety, or noise regulations. Religious leaders must hold a degree in religious studies from a recognised educational institution, religious organisations must report grants to the RGB, and donations to faith-based groups must be deposited in Rwandan banks. Jehovah’s Witnesses face arrest for refusing to participate in localised security duties like night patrols or oath-taking involving the national flag.

Examples of violations from Open Doors

• 120 churches were closed during the WWL 2024 reporting period, in addition to the hundreds that were closed in the WWL 2023 period.
• Intimidation of religious leaders has escalated, with security agents frequently conducting unwarranted searches of their homes.
• Individuals who transition from historical Christian communities (e.g., the Catholic Church) to non-traditional groups often face familial backlash and social ostracisation.

Churches face undue bureaucratic burdens, required to submit extensive documentation to the government for legal status, an action that many see as an effort to exert greater control over religious institutions.

1. Thank God for the country of Rwanda and the tremendous restoration that has taken place.
2. Pray for God’s blessing upon the government and that there will be growing space for people to live out civil liberties like freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
3. Give praise for the people’s commitment to reconcile and build peace. Praise God that churches have helped to lead this movement.
4. Pray that genuine renewal will transform the church.
5. There is negligible Christian outreach; pray for a loving witness by believers.