Rwandan mediators have resolved to establish an association to enhance professionalism, collaboration, and advocacy in their work. During their general assembly, on February 28, in Kigali, they committed to create an association called Rwanda Institute of Mediators which will bring together mediators who have been registered by the Supreme Court. ALSO READ: Judicial experts highlight need for law formalising mediation The next step is to obtain legal status to ensure it becomes an official association,” said Fred Rwihunda, the head of a task force responsible for establishing boards to oversee mediators in Rwanda. “After that, we will elect a new committee, as we are currently working as a task force responsible for establishing the association. Once the legal framework is in place, the association will officially exist, he added. The Minister of Justice, Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, acknowledged the mediators' efforts and the necessity of their organisation. ALSO READ: Over Rwf10bn saved through mediation mechanisms Not everyone can take on additional responsibilities alongside their own, especially when these roles are sometimes voluntary. It requires a mindset of professionalism, he said, acknowledging that many people have taken mediation courses. The minister noted that forming an association is essential for mediators to operate effectively. We have discussed the need for mediators to organise themselves. You previously considered establishing a council, but after discussions, we agreed that the right step at this stage is to form an association, as this is the common approach in other countries, he told the meeting. The minister explained that councils, being established by law, have certain limitations in securing partnerships, whereas associations have more flexibility in this regard. A council is formed when it has the authority to make decisions that directly affect people, which is why it requires a high level of discipline. However, mediators primarily facilitate resolutions between parties, and their work does not carry significant risks, he said. He noted that even though an association is the appropriate structure for now, it could later evolve into a council if deemed necessary. ALSO READ: Over 4,000 cases resolved through mediation in five years We expect you to deliver quality justice and work professionally. Your services should leave a positive impact and ensure public satisfaction with the justice system. When even one sector within the justice system underperforms, it damages the reputation of the entire sector. If mediators fail, people will blame the courts as well, he said. The association is going to help us work better. It will enable us to share ideas and advocate for ourselves and others, said Hillary Mukamazimpaka, a lawyer, notary, and a professional mediator in Kimironko Sector, Gasabo District. People will trust us more because we will have an official platform where we can be found. It will also make it easier for us to access training opportunities. It will help us connect with each other, maintain discipline through accountability, and exchange ideas with fellow mediators. Liberal Majyambere, a lawyer and a professional mediator based in Kimironko Sector, Gasabo District, noted that while mediators exist, they are not operating professionally. Mediators have been working, but not in an organised professional manner. Professionals should operate in a way that ensures the country knows where to find them, he said. He added that the association would introduce a structured database, which had not existed before, to track and report mediation cases. Some cases in the courts could have been resolved through mediation, but due to the lack of a formal organisation, they were not referred efficiently. Additionally, some mediators were not sufficiently motivated due to a lack of clear organisation. “Currently there are over 500 mediators across the country, including those not yet registered by the Supreme Court. The association will provide a platform for them to connect and collaborate,” he added. According to the Supreme Court, there are 422 registered court mediators across the country.
