Rwanda and Burundi
As a result of civil war and genocide in Rwanda, The Salvation Army became actively involved in relief work in September 1994. Operations were concentrated in Kayenzi Commune, part of the Gitarama Prefecture. Following mission work by officers from Zaïre, Uganda and Tanzania in 1995, officers were appointed from Congo (Brazzaville) to develop corps and mission work in Kayenzi Commune. Kayenzi Corps officially began its ministry in November 1995.
The Salvation Army was officially registered as a church in Rwanda on 15 September 2008.
In 1983, Justin Lusombo-Musese, a Congolese born in Burundi, was introduced by a friend to some of William Booth's writings and learned about The Salvation Army's early history. Justin and the friend were so enthused they decided to become members of the Army. Over the ensuing years they persistently requested International Headquarters to start Army operations in Burundi, and on 5 August 2007 the work was officially recognised with the warranting of Justin Lusombo-Musese and his wife Justine Fatouma as auxiliary-captains.
The Rwanda Region was redesignated Rwanda and Burundi Region in October 2008 and upgraded to command status on 1 April 2010.
Command Leaders
Commissioner Jean Laurore Clenat - Officer Commanding (1 September 2020)
Commissioner Elianise Clenat - Command President for Women's Ministries
Major Emmanuel Ndagijimana - General Secretary (1 July 2020)
Major Dancille Ndagijimana - Command Secretary for Women's Ministries
Command Headquarters
Plot 11737,
Kibagabaga Road,
Kimironko Sector,
Kigali,
Rwanda
Postal Address
PO Box 812,
Kigali,
Rwanda
Contact us
Tel: +(250) 781 449 715
Email: rwa.leadership@rwa.salvationarmy.org
The command held a successful men's fellowship rally with the theme 'Better Tomorrow'. Activities included seminars about unity and reconciliation; Bible studies about the sacraments and the Josephs of Scripture; how can men help the corps to grow; and praise and worship.
The first youth camp took place in Rubavu District, led by command leadership. The District Executive Secretary attended to represent the mayor. The young people joined the Minister of Health and the people of Gisenyi town in sporting activities to mark the launch of an Ebola immunisation programme.
The Women's Ministries department organised a university ladies fellowship to empower the women to be involved in the growth of the Church and its sustainability. The gathering concluded with a Spirit-filled time of rededication, with the women recommitting to serving the Lord through The Salvation Army.
The command launched a three-year strategic plan and community development strategy which envision The Salvation Army in Rwanda and Burundi to be a church for all, transforming lives and serving God and the community. The community development strategy aims to alleviate poverty and deprivation. The 2020 theme is drawn from Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing!'
The Governance Board was introduced and dedicated to God, and all officers and corps leaders attended a strategic orientation seminar to aid the rapid implementation of strategies in alignment with the General's Call to Mission.
Statistics
Officers - 39 Cadets - 9
Envoys - 8 Employees - 29
Corps - 20 Outposts - 18
Senior Soldiers - 3,494 Adherents - 1,044 Junior Soldiers - 1,813
Country included in the region: Rwanda, Burundi
Languages in which the gospel is preached: English, French, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Kiswahili