Over 31,000 cases resolved through plea bargains in Rwanda since 2022

Kigali, March 31, 2026 - The Ministry of Justice reports that more than 31,000 criminal and civil cases have been resolved through plea bargaining since 2022, as Rwanda continues efforts to reduce court congestion and prison overcrowding.

According to official figures, 31,143 cases have been concluded through plea bargains over the period, including 8,532 cases between July 2025 and March 2026 alone.

Authorities say these reforms have contributed to a 24.4% decline in the prison population during the 2024/2025 fiscal year.

The justice system has also expanded the use of mediation, with 9,559 cases resolved through alternative dispute mechanisms since 2022.

Legal reforms, including Law No. 22/2018 on civil and administrative procedures, have strengthened the role of mediation at different stages of judicial proceedings, encouraging settlement before trial.

The Ministry of Justice has also promoted training programs for professional mediators and launched an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) center to institutionalize out-of-court settlements.

Officials say these initiatives have helped reduce the court case backlog from 62% in 2022/2023 to 45% as of March 2026.

Judicial authorities and law educators continue to promote ADR clubs in universities and secondary schools to further embed mediation culture among young people and future legal professionals.