Case backlog has become one of the most persistent challenges in Rwanda’s justice system. Despite sustained reforms, courts continue to face increasing pressure as new cases enter the system faster than they can be resolved. ALSO READ: Rwanda ‘to halve court backlogs in next five years’ While mediation has emerged as a valuable tool to ease this burden, its full potential will remain unrealized unless it is systematically supported by technology. Recent judiciary data illustrates the scale of the problem. The Judiciary Performance Report for the 2023–2024 year indicates that, by the end of June 2024, backlog cases accounted for 59 percent of all pending matters—44,779 cases out of a total of 76,273. The report attributes this trend largely to a steady rise in new filings, coupled with a comparatively slower increase in the number of judges and judicial officers, as well as inadequate court infrastructure in some areas. ALSO READ: Chief Justice says 80% of disputes could be handled through ADR Mediation has already demonstrated measurable impact in addressing this challenge. During the same reporting period, 12,246 cases were settled through mediation, including those resolved at pre-trial meetings facilitated by registrars and others handled by judges. These figures confirm that mediation is not merely an alternative dispute resolution mechanism in theory, but a practical solution that reduces judicial workload and accelerates access to justice. The Justice, Reconciliation, Law and Order Sector (JRLOS) has consistently acknowledged that the number of incoming cases has outpaced those concluded over recent years. In response, the judiciary has progressively institutionalized court-annexed mediation. Amendments to the Civil Procedure Code in 2012 formally introduced mediation into the legal framework, empowering court registrars to propose and conduct mediation at the pre-trial stage. Further amendments in 2018 extended this authority to judges, allowing them to propose mediation, conduct it themselves, or refer parties to private mediators. Practice Directions issued by the Chief Justice have since clarified procedures and ethical standards, while partnerships with institutions such as Edwards Mediation Academy have strengthened mediator capacity. However, as effective as mediation has proven to be, its impact can be significantly amplified through the strategic use of technology. Comparative experiences demonstrate this clearly. During the Covid-19 pandemic, courts in the United States increasingly relied on virtual mediation to manage mounting backlogs. Online mediation sessions, conducted through secure digital platforms, enabled disputes to be resolved efficiently despite physical restrictions. The use of electronic signatures and digital document management further reduced delays, illustrating how technology can complement mediation without compromising procedural fairness or ethical safeguards. Rwanda has already embraced technology as part of its broader justice sector reforms. The introduction of e-courts—led by the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior, and Rwanda Correctional Services—aims to reduce case backlogs, enhance transparency, and limit opportunities for corruption by minimizing unnecessary physical contact within the justice system. According to the Rwanda Governance Scorecard, case backlog stood at 54 percent in 2022, reinforcing the urgency of such innovations. These developments signal an important lesson: technology is no longer optional in modern justice delivery. While institutional actors have begun integrating digital systems, private mediators must also adapt. The justice sector already possesses the foundational tools—digital filing systems, virtual meeting platforms, and electronic case management—that can be extended to mediation practice. Technology can support mediators in scheduling sessions, managing documentation, conducting virtual hearings, and engaging parties who may otherwise face logistical or financial barriers to participation. The integration of technology into mediation offers Rwanda a realistic and cost-effective pathway to reducing court congestion. Court-annexed mediation, strengthened by digital tools, can accelerate dispute resolution, ease the burden on judges, and improve overall system efficiency. At the same time, private mediators who embrace technology can expand access to mediation beyond physical courtrooms and traditional formats. As Rwanda continues to modernize its justice system, the focus should shift from whether mediation works to how it can work better. Combining mediation with technological innovation is not simply an efficiency measure—it is a necessary step toward a more accessible, responsive, and sustainable justice system. The writer is a legal researcher and mediator in training.
