The Grand Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya Mussa, has commended the Government of Rwanda and President Paul Kagame for advancing inclusivity and restoring dignity to the Muslim community.
He made the remarks on Wednesday during an Eid al-Fitr gathering that brought together Muslims from across the country to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan, alongside the Head of State.
The event, held under the theme of celebrating good governance and freedom of worship, highlighted what the Mufti described as a historic transformation in the status of Muslims in Rwanda.
He reflected on past decades when Islam faced marginalization, discrimination, and exclusion under previous regimes, noting that the situation has since fundamentally changed following reforms anchored in unity, reconciliation, and inclusive governance.
The Mufti credited the post-1994 leadership for rebuilding the country and fostering equal opportunities for all citizens, including Muslims, who he said now enjoy recognition and equal standing within Rwandan society.
He pointed to expanded religious freedoms, noting that Muslims are able to practice and promote their faith without restrictions, and welcomed the recognition of key Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as public holidays.
He also highlighted progress in education, where Muslim children now access schooling on equal footing with others, with many advancing into professional careers, including teaching and other skilled fields.
The Mufti further praised government efforts to restore properties previously confiscated, citing the rehabilitation and expansion of formerly seized Muslim-owned institutions, including schools.
He also noted improvements in economic inclusion, pointing to the development of areas such as Marangi into hubs of trade and tourism benefiting Muslim communities.
On international travel, he welcomed enhanced facilitation of pilgrimage to Mecca, particularly through direct flights operated by RwandAir between Kigali and Saudi Arabia, which have eased travel for Rwandan pilgrims.
The Mufti concluded by highlighting growing representation of Muslims across public institutions—including government, parliament, local leadership, and security organs—as a sign of deepening national cohesion and equal participation in Rwanda’s development.
