Dr. Bizimana made the remarks on October 25, 2026, during a conversation on national unity broadcast on various media platforms.

He explained that although priesthood is traditionally conferred for life, the Church is moving towards permanently removing Nahimana from the clergy.

“Priesthood is conferred for life and does not cease even if someone abandons it, renounces it or gets married. However, in Father Nahimana’s case, they are in the process of stripping him of it because he has already abandoned it and openly engaged in political activities. We have been informed that the Church is moving towards removing him permanently,” Dr. Bizimana said.

The minister noted that the process could take considerable time because the final decision rests with the leadership of the Catholic Church at the Vatican. He said he could not provide a specific timeline for its completion.

Dr. Bizimana was responding to questions about challenges preventing Rwanda from achieving 100% performance on national unity indicators, noting that a gap of 4.7 percentage points remains.

He identified religious institutions, particularly the Catholic Church, among the areas where challenges persist.

However, he clarified that the issue was not with the Church as an institution, which has apologised for its role in the Genocide against the Tutsi, but with individuals, including some priests, whose conduct continues to undermine national unity.

Nahimana previously served in the Catholic Diocese of Cyangugu in Rusizi District. In 2005, he left Rwanda for Europe, citing concerns for his personal security, and was subsequently received by the Diocese of Le Havre in France.

At the time of his departure, he was not being pursued by authorities in Rwanda.

After arriving in France, he became involved in politics and later teamed up with Fortunatus Rudakemwa to establish an online platform known as Le Prophète, which was used to disseminate hate propaganda and minimise the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

On January 28, 2013, Nahimana founded the political party Ishema ry’u Rwanda. He later announced plans to contest Rwanda’s 2017 presidential election but did not return to the country to participate.

He has continued his political activities from France, opposing the Rwandan government and collaborating with other critics, including through attacks on the government on social media.