The crackdown is expected to move beyond the capital.

Anastase Shyaka, who heads the board monitoring public and private institutions, says some churches conduct their worship services in shoddy and unclean structures, to the detriment of people’s health and safety,.

Cases of noise pollution have also been reported while some operate without the required operation permits,.

He says the shutdown — which mainly affects Pentecostal churches with small congregations — will be enforced until they meet the official requirements.

Church representatives criticise the move, saying authorities are being too strict.

Starting a church in Rwanda requires a government certificate that expires after one year.

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