Case backlog remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Rwanda’s judiciary, delaying justice and undermining public confidence. Among the most practical responses is court-annexed mediation, with Court Registrars standing at the centre of this strategic and indispensable process.

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The instructions of the President of the Supreme Court governing court-annexed mediation in civil, commercial, labour and administrative matters assign a special responsibility to Court Registrars. As the officials who receive and register cases at filing, they occupy a critical institutional position. They are the first point of procedural contact for litigants and are therefore uniquely placed to encourage early resolution of disputes before cases proceed deeper into the formal adjudicative process.

Article 29 of the instructions of the President of the Supreme Court of Rwanda specifically provides for mediation at the pre-trial stage, requiring the Court Registrar to explain mediation, its benefits, and available mediators to the parties. If the parties consent, mediation may be scheduled immediately and conducted by the Registrar, a Judge appointed as mediator, or an accredited private mediator. The Registrar conducts mediation without judicial robes, emphasizing the process’s non-adversarial nature.

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The benefits of mediation are well established. Chief among them are efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Mediation reduces procedural delays, legal expenses, and the emotional toll of protracted litigation. Most importantly, it prioritises resolution over confrontation.

While assisting an attorney during a pre-trial meeting, I witnessed firsthand how the issue of case backlog affects the justice system. The Court Registrar warned that litigation could delay the hearing for about a year due to heavy caseloads. It became even clearer to me that clients should be advised of the benefits of mediation before ordinary legal proceedings continue.

Backlog affects litigants directly; promoting mediation saves time, lowers costs, and prioritizes practical solutions over procedural wins.

However, mediation in Rwanda still faces obstacles. One significant challenge is limited public awareness. Many litigants remain unfamiliar with mediation’s advantages or mistakenly perceive it as secondary to formal litigation. Strengthening public education and professional advocacy around alternative dispute resolution is therefore imperative.

Another challenge concerns infrastructure. In some courts, the rooms designated for mediation are insufficient or not purpose-designed for confidential, structured dialogue. Physical environment matters in mediation; it shapes the tone and effectiveness of discussions.

Technology offers a transformative opportunity. Digital platforms, whether existing systems or customised solutions, can facilitate remote mediation sessions, reducing geographical barriers and logistical constraints. In practice, some parties struggle to attend in-person sessions due to distance or professional obligations. Virtual mediation can address these challenges while maintaining procedural integrity and confidentiality.

Brazil integrated digital mediation nationwide through a National Council of Justice policy requiring courts to establish mediation centres and later recognize online mediation procedurally.

A 2021 national platform enabled online registration, scheduling, and document submission, supported by video conferencing and case-management systems. By 2022, more than 45 percent of mediation sessions were conducted digitally, reducing backlog and expanding access to justice, particularly in remote areas.

The issue of case backlog demands immediate and coordinated action. Court-annexed mediation is already embedded within Rwanda’s legal framework; what remains is to optimize its implementation. This requires investment in technological infrastructure, enhancement of digital literacy, improved facilities, and sustained awareness campaigns on the benefits of mediation.

Justice delayed is justice denied. By strengthening mediation mechanisms and leveraging technology, Rwanda can advance a more efficient, accessible, and responsive judicial system – one that resolves disputes promptly while preserving relationships and public trust.

The writer is a legal researcher and mediator.