A financial dispute involving Rwf 9,509,500 that had caused unrest among 200 members of a community-based savings and mutual health insurance scheme based in Rubavu District, was resolved through court mediation early this month, offering a positive example of alternative dispute resolution in Rwanda. The group, known as Ikimina cya Mutuelle Tuzamurane Twita ku Buzima, operates in Gasenyi Village, Burinda Cell, Rubavu Sector in Rubavu District. Members contributed weekly amounts totaling over Rwf 1,033,000 to cover Mutuelle de Santé costs, support members through loans, and share annual profits. However, in December 2024, they discovered that Rwf 9,509,500 had gone missing, allegedly misappropriated by the treasurer entrusted with managing the funds. ALSO READ: Inside a Rwf 3bn inheritance dispute that was resolved through mediation “We used to contribute regularly, and at the end of the year, we shared what remained after expenses. Last year, we did not receive the expected amount of money. We later found out that the treasurer had used the money. That’s when we involved the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB),” said Jean de Dieu Nzitabakuze, president of the ikimina. Nzitabakuze explained that after the group reported the matter, the accused offered collateral, including two property titles (UPIs), to guarantee repayment within two months. However, she failed to honour both the payment and the agreed guarantee terms. The matter was escalated to the Commercial Court in Nyamirambo in a case that was filed on March 24, 2025. ALSO READ: Why does mediation in resolving business disputes matter? In a pre-trial session on June 12, the parties agreed to enter court-annexed mediation, facilitated by the Chief Registrar of the Commercial Court. Nzitabakuze admitted that most of the ikimina members were unfamiliar with mediation but welcomed the process, which spared them from a lengthy and costly court battle. “At first, we wanted to pursue the case through a trial, but when we learned about mediation, we gave it a try. We were pleased that both parties could agree without going through a full trial,” he said. “We have around 200 members, some with multiple shares, bringing the total to about 500 beneficiaries.” Initially, the group sought Rwf 15.6 million, comprising the principal amount (Rwf 9.5 million), damages (Rwf 1.5 million), legal representative fees (Rwf 500,000), and court-related costs (Rwf 300,000) plus Rwf 3,500,000 profit. However, during mediation, both parties agreed that the accused would repay Rwf 10,809,500, which included part of the damages and fees. She made an immediate payment of Rwf 2 million, with the remainder to be paid in instalments over six months. Gisele Munyansanga, the lawyer representing the ikimina, confirmed that both sides were satisfied with the outcome. “She initially offered to pay the money over two years, which we rejected. After several rounds of discussion, we agreed on a six-month instalment plan. Her initial payment showed goodwill, which helped rebuild trust among members,” Munyansanga explained. She added that mediation played a crucial role in repairing relationships fractured by financial misconduct. “The ikimina includes many family members. This dispute created tension, but mediation helped mend those bonds. People think lawyers don’t favour mediation, but that’s a misconception; it benefits clients and even reduces the burden on courts.” The Ikimina members and their legal team expressed satisfaction and confirmed that they are committed to monitoring the repayment process. “We’re optimistic the agreement will be respected. Mediation helped us avoid more financial losses and preserved unity in our group,” Nzitabakuze said.
