Burundi’s Ministry of Interior, Community Development and Public Security revoked the legal status of three churches through ministerial ordinances signed on October 15, 2026, according to official documents that The Baptist Chronicle consulted.
The affected churches are the “Eglise KARUMELI Church”, “Eglise Stone Evangelical Church” and the “Eglise Evangelique de la Reconciliation au Burundi”. Article 2 of each ordinance directs the relevant provincial governors to enforce the closure of the affected churches with immediate effect.
According to Ordinance No. 530/746, KARUMELI Church, located in Mutakura, Cibitoke Zone, Ntahangwa Commune, Bujumbura, was previously accredited under Ordinance No. 530/622 of May 6, 2013.
Stone Evangelical Church, located in the Third Quarter of Ngagara Zone, Ntahangwa Commune, Bujumbura, was accredited under Ordinance No. 530/228 of February 13, 2024. Its legal status was revoked under Ordinance No. 530/745.
The Evangelical Church of Reconciliation in Burundi, previously accredited under Ordinance No. 530/2099 of December 6, 2004, was affected by Ordinance No. 530/744.
The decisions follow security allegations reportedly communicated by Colonel de Police Pierre Nkurikiye, spokesperson for the ministry responsible for interior affairs, community development and public security, at a press conference held in Bujumbura on October 9, 2026.
According to the reported allegations, Burundian intelligence services suspect several pastors, including leaders associated with the affected churches, of having links to the armed groups RED-Tabara and Twirwaneho. The individuals reportedly include Burundian nationals and members of the Banyamulenge community from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The accusations reportedly include threatening national security, using forged documents, facilitating the entry into Burundi and medical treatment of wounded combatants allegedly linked to armed groups operating in eastern DRC, including M23, RED-Tabara and Twirwaneho, and conducting espionage on behalf of Rwanda.
The Baptist Chronicle has not independently verified these allegations. No court judgment establishing the alleged wrongdoing has been identified for this report.
Legal Framework Governing Religious Organizations and Questions About Due Process and Religious Freedom
The revocation of the three churches’ legal status raises questions about the application of religious regulations, national security, and the procedural safeguards available to religious organizations facing administrative sanctions.
Burundi regulates religious organizations through Law No. 1/30 of September 16, 2022, amending Law No. 1/35 of December 31, 2014, on the organic framework governing religious denominations.
The 2022 law includes provisions addressing public order, state security, and sanctions against religious organizations.
Article 61 provides for the immediate suspension of activities and closure of premises when an act by a religious denomination, organization, or movement disturbs public order or threatens state security.
The law also prohibits religious organizations from establishing military or paramilitary structures.
“No religious denomination or movement may establish any military or paramilitary organization.” Article 52 states.
Article 67 addresses foreign funding received outside the requirements of the law and provides for sanctions that may extend to the definitive closure of a religious organization’s activities.
According to a pastor in Bujumbura who spoke anonymously, governments have a responsibility to protect national security and enforce the law.
At the same time, allegations involving armed groups, espionage, and assistance to combatants are serious matters that require careful examination and appropriate legal procedures.
The immediate closures have direct consequences for the affected churches’ ability to conduct worship services and other religious activities. He added.
The churches’ opportunity to respond, together with any subsequent legal proceedings, will be important in establishing a fuller account of the events.
The Baptist Chronicle will continue to follow developments and seek responses from the relevant authorities and representatives of the affected churches.
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