Rwandan President Paul Kagame has sparked widespread alarm with remarks about religion and Christian communities in the country. In a recent conversation with Rwandan media personality Oswaki, Kagame dismissed churches as “full of criminals” and suggested that Rwandans should “go farm and pray on your phones” instead of attending services. He also criticized African Christians for being influenced by colonialism, hinting that more church closures could be on the way.
These statements follow years of restrictions on religious practice in Rwanda. Thousands of churches have been shut down, often after spending large sums of money to meet government-imposed building regulations. Even when churches comply, many remain closed without transparency or due process, leaving believers frustrated and disenfranchised.
Supporters’ Perspective:
Some voices defend Kagame’s stance, arguing that religion in Africa has historically been used as a tool of oppression, keeping communities in cycles of dependency and underdevelopment. They contend that encouraging people to focus on practical work while maintaining personal faith—such as “praying on your phones”—could help shift attention to economic and social progress, rather than hierarchical church structures.
Concerns for Religious Freedom:
Despite these arguments, critics say Kagame’s remarks are a direct attack on freedom of worship—a fundamental human right. By mocking believers and controlling where and how they pray, the government risks undermining the spiritual identity of millions of Rwandans. Human-rights defenders, religious leaders, and the international community warn that the repression of churches in Rwanda is systematic and dangerous. Leaders have no authority to criminalize worship or dictate how people practice their faith. Respect for religious freedom remains essential to human dignity, and global attention is needed to address this growing hostility toward faith communities in Rwanda.
