Rwandan professional mediators are looking to a new organisation to make mediation services more easily accessible to people in need, providing a place where they can request the right mediator for their case while strengthening accountability. They expressed these sentiments after launching the Rwanda Institute of Mediators on August 8 in Kigali, where they also elected its leadership and adopted its constitution. ALSO READ: Rwandan mediators move to form association, deliver better Mediation is one of the main alternative dispute mechanisms, which have been adopted in the Rwandan judicial system as the country seeks to promote more restorative than punitive delivery of justice. Florida Kabasinga, a lawyer elected to head the institute's international cooperation, said it will make it easier for people seeking mediation services to find the right mediator when they need one. “By reaching out to institute officials, clients will save the time they would otherwise spend searching for a mediator, as well as the transport costs involved,” she said. ALSO READ: Judicial experts highlight need for law formalising mediation Kabasinga explained that the institute was founded by mediators from diverse professional backgrounds, allowing it to connect clients with the most suitable expert for their specific needs. With mediators based across the country, she added, even people in rural areas will be able to access the services easily. Regulation Fred Rwihunda, who was elected president of the institute’s executive committee, previously headed a task force responsible for establishing boards to oversee mediators in Rwanda, which until now had been operating without formal recognition. He said the body will regulate and monitor the quality of mediation services, maintain records of resolved cases, and identify mediators who act unprofessionally or lack proper training, to ensure high standards are upheld. ALSO READ: Mediation over litigation: A new approach to land disputes in Rwanda He noted that mediation is often the simplest and most effective way to resolve disputes, unlike court proceedings which may settle a case without necessarily addressing underlying issues between the parties. “Mediation helps preserve the relationships that existed before the conflict,” Rwihunda said. ALSO READ: Over Rwf10bn saved through mediation mechanisms Julien Kavaruganda, chairman of the institute’s advisory board, said the new body will enable mediators to have representatives in different areas and operate with legal personality. “We will be able to collect and evaluate data on how we work and where improvements are needed. Any misconduct can be reported anywhere. The institute's constitution will help us operate more effectively,” he said. According to Kavaruganda, the institute will also strengthen accountability among mediators while promoting professional standards. Harrison Mutabazi, the judiciary spokesperson and president of the Rwanda Judicial Officers Association, said the initiative is expected to help deliver faster and higher-quality justice. “They are now moving towards greater professionalism and resolving issues on their own. The institute will allow them to address challenges and hold accountable those who do not operate properly,” he said. Mutabazi added that while mediators are playing an important role, public awareness about the practice remains a challenge. “Many people are still unaware of how helpful mediators can be. We try to explain to the public what they can do,” he said. The institute began with 450 mediators. According to the Supreme Court, there are 522 registered court mediators across the country.
