A complex family inheritance dispute involving over Rwf 3 billion worth of property has been amicably resolved through mediation, highlighting the growing role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Rwanda’s justice system.

ADR, particularly mediation, is being increasingly embraced across the country as a faster, less costly, and less adversarial means of achieving justice. Officials say the shift is helping to ease the burden on courts, reduce litigation costs, and foster reconciliation, among other benefits, particularly in civil and family-related conflicts.

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This case began after the death of a man in 1991, who had 11 children from three different mothers. His legally recognised wife, the heir of his estate, passed away in 2021.

Upon her death, disagreements erupted among the siblings over how to divide the inherited property, which included 19 farms, residential houses, commercial buildings, and movable assets. The properties in question are located in various places such as Musanze, Kabuga, Kiyovu and quartier commercial de Kigali, all valued at Rwf 3,179,385,000.

Initially, the family attempted to resolve the matter internally but failed.

By 2024, three siblings took the matter to the Intermediate Court, suing the remaining eight heirs. However, after realising the time, emotional strain, and legal costs involved, the parties opted for mediation, with the guidance of their lawyers and a judge. In March this year, they reached a comprehensive agreement through mediation, effectively resolving the inheritance dispute. The parties agreed on asset division and pledged to rebuild their relationship as siblings.

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Philbert Gashagaza, a lawyer who represented seven members of the family highlighted how mediation helped resolve tensions and avoid a prolonged court battle.

Gashagaza explained that he initially got involved in the case to help recover certain properties that were being withheld by one party so that they could be returned to the general estate of the deceased. Once the assets were reinstated into the common property, new disputes arose among the siblings, with some demanding individual shares. This led to allegations of mismanagement and, eventually, a legal battle.

"The family was divided, and the matter was taken to court,” he said. "I found myself representing seven out of the eleven siblings involved, while the other four were represented by my colleague. As the trial started, I was fortunate to work alongside a colleague who understands mediation, and I suggested that we consider that route.”

Gashagaza recalled proposing the idea to his counterpart, emphasising the importance of dialogue over litigation.

"I told him, ‘Your clients listen to you, and mine also listen to me. Is it necessary to go through a lengthy court process that could take years? Why don’t we talk to our clients about mediation?”

The two lawyers then took the time to explain the mediation process and its benefits to their respective clients. "They were receptive,” he noted.

"After getting their consent, we petitioned the court to initiate the mediation process. A judge was assigned to oversee it, and we eventually reached an agreement on how the property would be shared, based on the law and mutual understanding.”

Gashagaza stated that the implementation of the agreement is now approximately 50 percent complete.

Reflecting on how the family received the outcome, he said they were satisfied with the mediation process. "They realized that previous court cases had drained them, financially and emotionally, and only deepened family issues. But through mediation, they saw how justice could be delivered quickly, at no cost, and in a way that preserved family ties.”

Commenting on what mediation means for justice delivery, he stressed its value. "It means a lot. Justice that is quick and preserves relationships enhances public trust in the system. Some courts now have trial dates set for 2027, due to the number of cases, which makes it hard for the people to wait that long. Mediation, on the other hand, offers a faster, more practical route to justice.”

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Mediation in Rwanda is available both within courts, as court-annexed mediation, and outside the formal system, through private mediators or community-based structures such as abunzi (mediators).

Recent data illustrates the growing embrace of mediation. From July 2024 to June 2025, a total of 2,850 cases were resolved through mediation. This marks a sharp rise from 743 cases in 2022, 1,727 in 2023, and 2,455 in 2024. In the first six months of 2025 alone, 1,676 cases have already been mediated. In total, 10,216 cases have been resolved through mediation since 2017.