As artificial intelligence (AI) is being increasingly integrated across various sectors worldwide, Rwanda’s Chief Justice, Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, has called for ethical adoption of AI in the justice system.
Domitilla Mukantaganzwa made the call during the opening of the Third Annual East African Court of Justice Judicial Conference, taking place in Kigali from February 18 to 19. The conference had brought together legal experts and key stakeholders in the justice sector from across the region.
Mukantaganzwa emphasized that AI could enhance fairness, protect rights, and improve access to justice, fostering equitable regional development.
"As we move forward, I propose that we focus on key areas, adopting ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence to promote fairness, protect rights, improve access to justice for equitable regional development, and cultivating critical thinking about AI and ensure its alignment with justice and fairness,” she said.
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Other proposed areas including strengthening judicial institutions, particularly regional courts; investing in national judicial institutions through training and capacity-building programmes, promoting cooperation between national judiciaries and regional courts; and ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in the administration of justice by leveraging technology and innovative solutions.
She emphasized that achieving these objectives would require coordinated efforts.
"Together, we can build a more just, efficient, and effective justice system that promotes regional integration, economic growth, and stability,” Mukantaganzwa said.
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The conference, held under the theme "Justice, Ethics, and Enforcement of Decisions: A Judicial Pathway for Regional Development,” provided a platform for discussions on the role of courts in upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice, and maintaining public trust.
Mukantaganzwa also underscored the importance of addressing challenges within national and regional judicial systems by adopting innovative solutions that enhance access to justice and promote ethical judicial practices.
"As national and regional judiciaries, we must work together to uphold the highest ideals that form the cornerstones of the rule of law in any jurisdiction,” she remarked.
Promoting alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
The Chief Justice also highlighted Rwanda’s efforts to promote alternative dispute resolution (ADR), arguing that it aligns with African traditional justice systems.
"As many of you know, after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Rwanda’s legal system had collapsed. We had only a handful of legal professionals—very few lawyers, judges, investigators, and prosecutors. With over 120,000 suspects, we had to innovate and draw solutions from our traditions, leading to the establishment of the Gacaca Courts,” she explained.
Mukantaganzwa described the Gacaca Courts as a system that closely resembles modern ADR practices rather than conventional common or civil law systems.
The Gacaca Courts handled hundreds of thousands of cases through both restorative and punitive justice approaches. Their most significant achievement was fostering healing, forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity through community participation.
"As we deliberate during this conference, I encourage all of us to ensure that ADR becomes an integral part of policies aimed at improving access to justice. It must be recognized as a viable preliminary remedy for resolving conflicts and misunderstandings at national, regional, and global levels. ADR offers distinct advantages over litigation, including efficiency and cost-effectiveness,” she stated.
The Chief Justice emphasized that the East African Court of Justice holds a unique mandate that allows it to exercise dual jurisdiction over litigation and arbitration, making it well-suited for handling commercial justice and dispute resolution.
Mukantaganzwa reminded conference participants of their responsibility as custodians of justice.
"The judiciary is the cornerstone of any democratic society, and it is our collective duty to safeguard its integrity. We are the guardians of the rule of law, ensuring justice is delivered fairly, impartially, and efficiently. As judges, we must always uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and transparency,” she emphasized.
Justice and regional integration
She stressed that the conference theme, "Justice, Ethics, and Enforcement of Decisions: A Judicial Pathway for Regional Development,” is particularly relevant in today’s globalized world. As efforts toward regional integration intensify, it is crucial to recognize the role that justice systems play in promoting economic growth, stability, and cooperation.
However, Mukantaganzwa acknowledged that regional integration presents challenges, including ensuring consistency and predictability in the application of laws across jurisdictions, fostering collaboration between national judicial institutions and regional courts, and addressing corruption, impunity, and accountability concerns.
"While these challenges exist, they also present opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and growth. By working together, we can establish common standards and best practices for aligning national judicial institutions with regional courts. We can enhance cooperation and information-sharing for law and decision enforcement and promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in the administration of justice,” she stated.