More than 35,000 criminal cases have been handled through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms in four years, according to the Judiciary.

A total of 34,754 cases have been resolved through plea bargaining since 2023, while 1,458 cases have been settled through victim-offender mediation since September 2025, officials said during the first National Symposium on Alternative Dispute Resolution.

ALSO READ: Over Rwf10bn saved through mediation mechanisms

The figures have been interpreted as a step toward building a faster, less expensive, and more restorative justice system.

The symposium held on May 22 brought together representatives from the Judiciary, prosecution, Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), academia, civil society organisations, development partners, and diplomatic missions.

ALSO READ: Judiciary to focus on ADR, speedy, accessible justice in new year

Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, including plea-bargaining and victim-offender mediation, are among justice reforms aimed at reducing court backlog, easing prison congestion, and promoting restorative justice, among other benefits.

Speaking during the symposium, Aimé Muyoboke, the Rector of the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), said the number of cases resolved through plea bargaining has grown significantly over the past three years.

"In June 2023, we had only 934 cases resolved through plea bargaining. By June 2024, the figure had risen to 9,851 cases,” he said.

ALSO READ: Chief Justice says 80% of disputes could be handled through ADR

He noted that by June 2025, the number increased further to 11,846 cases, while by May 2026, the figure had reached 12,123.

"Since June 2023 up to today, we have recorded 34,754 cases resolved through plea bargaining,” Muyoboke said, describing the increase as evidence that ADR mechanisms are helping to reduce case backlog.

ALSO READ: Why does mediation in resolving business disputes matter?

He added that victim-offender mediation, which was introduced more recently, is also gaining momentum.

"From September 2025 to May 2026, we have had 1,458 cases resolved through victim-offender mediation,” he said.

Muyoboke linked restorative justice to Rwanda’s constitutional principles, arguing that dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution are deeply embedded in the country’s legal framework.

"The Constitution encourages Rwandans and institutions to rely on dialogue in addressing disputes,” he said. "Peace and justice are mutually reinforcing.”

Persistent challenges

Despite the progress, participants highlighted several challenges affecting the effectiveness of the mechanisms, including inconsistent practices among institutions, inadequate technical capacity, and low public awareness.

Jean Pierre Habumuremyi, President of the High Court, said justice institutions must maximize mediation at the earliest stages of investigations and prosecution.

"If criminal mediation is maximized at the prosecution level, many cases will be closed without being referred to court,” he said.

Habumuremyi explained that some suspects initially reject mediation but later reconsider after spending time in detention.

"Something which is not done at the investigation stage can still be done at the prosecution stage,” he said.

He also pointed to procedural barriers in plea bargaining, explaining that prosecutors are currently required to file indictments before negotiating plea agreements.

"This creates a double workload,” he said. "Something should be done to make the process easier and faster.”

Habumuremyi argued that plea bargaining should not automatically exclude serious offences if circumstances justify negotiated settlements.

"I don’t support that all cases should end in plea bargaining,” he said. "But depending on the circumstances, the impact of the offence and the wishes of the victim, some cases can still qualify for it.”

On his part, Deputy Prosecutor General, Bonaventure Ruberwa, emphasized the importance of public awareness in strengthening ADR mechanisms.

"To continue benefiting from these mechanisms, it is important to keep raising awareness among the population so they understand the advantages of ADR,” he said.

Ruberwa said the National Public Prosecution Authority remains committed to working closely with Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and other justice sector institutions to ensure effective implementation of restorative justice mechanisms.

"We can confirm that prosecutors are now aware that these mechanisms should be considered before resorting to traditional litigation,” he added.

Phocas Rutembesa of Rwanda Bar Association said lawyers are increasingly embracing mediation and plea bargaining, but institutions should become more proactive in initiating the process.

"Most of the time it is lawyers who push for plea bargaining,” he said. "We rarely see prosecutors initiating the process themselves.”

Rutembesa pointed out that lawyers understand that justice is not always about lengthy litigation but about achieving timely and satisfactory outcomes for clients.

Jean Marie Twagirayezu, Director General of Criminal Investigation at RIB, outlined key areas requiring improvement to accelerate negotiated settlement mechanisms.

He cited the need for a clearer legal framework, specialized personnel, continued training for legal practitioners, stronger victim support services, and expanded public awareness campaigns.

"We need to continue explaining the benefits of these mechanisms to the public and to institutions involved,” he said. "Everyone has a role to play in ensuring their success.”