The year 2024 witnessed a number of transformative changes in Rwanda’s justice sector; from appointing new leadership to introducing new initiatives to enhance justice delivery.
These changes include the appointment of a new Chief Justice, the inauguration of an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre, the proposal for a School of Advocates, the implementation of virtual hearings, and the upgrade of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), mark important milestones in the country’s pursuit of timely and effective justice.
Appointment of new leadership
On December 3, President Paul Kagame appointed Domitille Mukantaganzwa, 60, as Chief Justice, and Alphonse Hitiyaremye, 57, as Deputy Chief Justice.
ALSO READ: New Chief Justice vows to deliver
Mukantaganzwa brings over 30 years of experience in legal practice, having served in various roles including as head of the Gacaca Courts from 2003 to 2012, which resolved nearly two million cases related to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Prior to her new role, she chaired the Rwanda Law Reform Commission, where she was instrumental in analyzing and modernizing Rwandan laws.
Hitiyaremye, a seasoned jurist, previously served as a judge on the Supreme Court. His extensive career includes roles as Advisor to the Minister of Justice, Inspector General of Prosecution, and Deputy Prosecutor General.
ALSO READ: Kagame picks Mukantaganzwa as new Chief Justice
The new chief justice, Mukantaganzwa commented on some of the key areas she said that aim to address pressing issues such as case backlogs, staff shortages, and public dissatisfaction with court decisions. She emphasized the importance of collaboration across the justice chain and embracing alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms.
Inauguration of ADR center
In August, Rwanda inaugurated an ADR Center situated in Kigali at the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court premises, a landmark initiative to promote alternative dispute resolution.
ALSO READ: Rwanda’s justice system embraces Alternative Dispute Resolution: A public-private partnership
Described as a Multi-Door Centre, it provides a neutral and informal environment for resolving disputes outside traditional court systems. Its core functions include gathering and preserving information on ADR cases, facilitating research, raising awareness, building capacity, and offering mediation services.
The ADR centre does not replace existing dispute resolution mechanisms. It complements them by fostering peer-to-peer learning and leveraging culturally rooted ADR practices.
According to Christian Umuhire, a law student at the University of Kigali, the center’s focus on ADR is timely given the increasing case backlogs and emerging crimes in Rwanda.
"Justice delayed is justice denied. The ADR centre will significantly contribute to delivering fair and quick justice,” he said.
Proposal for school of advocates
In early 2025, the country is set to launch a School of Advocates to enhance the legal profession.
Moïse Nkundabarashi, the President of Rwanda Bar Association, explained that the school would address gaps in legal practice by providing specialized training for interns, offering continuing legal education for practicing lawyers and fostering research within the profession. It will also categorize lawyers by areas of specialization to promote focused professional growth.
Marriette Iradukunda, a final-year law student at ULK, lauded the initiative as a "game changer,” emphasizing its importance in keeping up with the evolving legal landscape. She expressed enthusiasm about joining the school once it is operational.
ALSO READ: Rwanda to establish novel school of advocates - official
Introduction of virtual hearings
On October 31, new instructions governing virtual hearings came into force.
These rules provide procedural guidelines for remote trial proceedings, allowing parties, advocates, state attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses, and the public to participate from any location.
Laurent Mwizerwa, a Rwandan living in the United States, highlighted the benefits of this initiative, saying that it is likely to save time and reduce costs for participants, especially for Rwandans living abroad.
"This development aligns with practices in developed countries and is a significant step forward for Rwanda,” he remarked.
ALSO READ: 10 key things about the new instructions on virtual court hearings
Upgrades to IECMS
Starting January 1, 2025, Rwanda’s justice sector will adopt an upgraded Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) designed to improve access to justice. Stella Umurungi, the Chief Digital Officer in the Ministry of Justice, said the system’s new features include digital signatures, virtual and e-courtrooms, and online complaint filing.
These enhancements, she said, aim to streamline judicial processes, ensuring greater efficiency and accessibility.
ALSO READ: What's new in Rwanda’s upgraded integrated case management system?
The past 12 months have been crucial for Rwanda’s justice sector, with reforms and innovations poised to transform the delivery of justice. The changes underscore Rwanda’s commitment to a fair, efficient, and modern justice system.