The Cabinet of Burundi’s Prime Minister issued on February 13th, 2026, an official correspondence to the Minister of the Interior affairs, Community Development and Public Security, reminding all religious denominations of their obligation to strictly comply with the law in force.
In the letter referenced 121/CAB/2026, the government states that it has observed several violations in different parts of the country, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas. Some churches and religious communities are reportedly operating in breach of the provisions of Law No. 1/30 of September 16, 2022, amending Law No. 1/35 of December 31, 2014, which establishes the legal framework governing religious denominations in Burundi.
As we read the correspondence, among the irregularities mentioned are :The operation of certain places of worship without meeting the prior conditions required for official approval; Failure to comply with the legally required minimum distance between two distinct religious denominations, set at one kilometer in rural areas and 500 meters in urban areas; The organization of worship services and prayer meetings in private homes using loudspeakers; and Disturbances to public peace and order in surrounding communities.
Sanctions, including possible closure
The document specifies that any religious celebration that disturbs public tranquility may expose the concerned place of worship to administrative sanctions, including provisional closure.
The Prime Minister has therefore instructed competent administrative authorities, notably provincial governors and communal administrators, to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure strict compliance with the law.
This warning comes at a time when the government seeks to further regulate the establishment and functioning of religious denominations, with the stated objective of preserving public order, social cohesion, and compliance with environmental and administrative standards.
Religious leaders are thus encouraged to review the legal status of their institutions to avoid potential sanctions.
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Balancing regulation and freedom of worship
While the government frames the directive as a necessary measure to preserve public order and social harmony, the move has reignited debate over the balance between administrative regulation and religious freedom.
Burundi’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, a right also protected under international human rights instruments to which the country is a party. Observers note that regulation may be legitimate to prevent disorder, unsafe structures, or excessive noise pollution, but caution that enforcement must remain proportionate and respectful of fundamental freedoms.
Smaller religious communities, particularly those with limited financial resources, could face challenges in meeting all infrastructural and administrative requirements.
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In the Great Lakes region, Rwanda has already undertaken extensive regulatory action. Since 2018, Rwandan authorities have closed more than 10,000 churches and mosques for failing to meet legal, safety, and soundproofing standards.
The closures affected a wide range of denominations, including parishes linked to the Catholic church. Rwandan officials justified the measures as necessary to address safety concerns and the rapid, and sometimes unregulated, proliferation of places of worship.
However, the large-scale shutdowns sparked regional and international debate regarding proportionality and the potential impact on religious liberty.
Looking ahead: what does this mean for Burundi?
In Burundi, the Prime Minister’s directive does not announce a mass closure campaign but signals a determination to enforce existing laws more rigorously. The explicit reference to possible sanctions, including provisional closures, sends a strong message to religious leaders across the country.
In a nation where faith plays a central role in social and community life, the implementation of these measures will likely be closely watched by churches, civil society actors, and human rights observers.
The central question remains: How can authorities ensure public order and legal compliance while safeguarding the fundamental right to freedom of worship?
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