Following a governance review conducted b y the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), the statutory body. responsible for oversight of faith-based organizations in Rwanda, governance concerns were identified within the Church’s institutional framework. These included questions about the validity of leadership term extensions, compliance with educational requirements for church representatives, and the need for stronger accountability and transparency in decision-making processes. The lack of EIR compliance with the RGB requirements affected the reopening of closed brethren local churches. Currently, EIR has 20 open and 147 closed local churches.

In response to these findings, RGB made the decision to dissolve the existing Executive Committee and Dispute Resolution Committee, and to establish a Transitional Committee to provide interim governance leadership for a defined period of six (6) months. This action is consistent with Rwandan law governing faith-based organizations and reflects the government’s commitment to institutional accountability across faith-based organizations. The Transitional Committee has been carefully composed to bring together experience, spiritual maturity, and a deep commitment to EIR’s mission. The following new committee members represent decades of faithful service to the Church community:

Pastor KARERANGABO Eric (Chairperson) Eric was shaped in faith from his earliest years and found his spiritual home in EIR i n 1998, where he has served faithfully for over 25 years in the Church youth program, and as a local church leader, first as a deacon and later as a pastor. He brings more than two decades of active church leadership experience, combining deep spiritual wisdom with strong institutional knowledge. Beyond EIR, Eric serves a s a board member of the African Brethren Church Network (ABCN), reflecting his recognized standing within the broader regional brethren church community. He is well-equipped to lead this transition with both pastoral sensitivity and governance competence.

Pastor NGABONZIZA Elie (Vice-Chairperson) Elie carries the Brethren church knowledge in his very roots, raised in a deacon’s home within the first Brethren local church i n Rwanda, founded by the earliest missionaries to the country. He brings a rare combination of historical connection to EIR’s founding values and a personal commitment to integrity, sound management, and faithful stewardship. His presence on the Committee ensures continuity with the Church’s deepest identity and founding vision.

Pastor BUTARE Emmanuel (Committee Member) Emmanuel comes from a pastoral family background that instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility toward the Church and its people. With over 20 years of active service in church leadership, he brings tested experience, relational trust, and a steady hand to the Transitional Committee – qualities that will b e essential during this period of institutional renewal.

Mr. CYIZA Emmanuel (Committee Member) CYIZA comes from a pastoral family in the founding Brethren church in Rwanda, giving him a lifelong, heritage-rooted connection t o the EIR community. He has served the Church with distinction in the evangelism department, as both a deacon and ministry leader, a role that reflects his heart for outreach, discipleship, and growing the Church’s mission beyond its walls. Beyond that, he serves as chairperson of the African Brethren Youth department under ABCN.

Mr. MWISENEZA Venant (Committee Member) – Venant has been a committed member of EIR for more than 20 years, building a quiet but consistent record of faithful service within the local church. What makes him particularly valuable to this transitional moment is his hands-on experience managing donor-funded projects. He understands the expectations, reporting standards, and accountability frameworks that partners and donors rightly require. His presence on the Committee i s a direct signal of EIR’s commitment to responsible stewardship of every resource entrusted to the Church.

Mr. RUTSINDINTWARANE Placide (Committee Member) – Placide brings professional financial expertise to the heart of the Transitional Committee. With a background in financial management, accounting, and fund administration, he is well-positioned to oversee the Church’s finances during this transition period with the rigor and transparency that the moment demands. He worked for international organizations, including World Vision and Management Sciences for Health. His skills will be central to the independent audit process and to building the financial accountability systems that will serve EIR long after this transition is complete.