Plea Bargaining Releases Over 600 Inmates in One Month

Muhanga, January 26, 2026 - The Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) announced that 644 prisoners were released in one month through the plea bargaining program, according to CSP Hillary Sengabo, spokesperson for RCS. The announcement was made during the launch of Plea Bargaining Week at Muhanga Prison.

CSP Sengabo highlighted that the program has significantly reduced overcrowding in Rwandan prisons, noting that the overcrowding rate decreased from 143% to 101% since the program’s implementation.

He explained that the program allows the Criminal Investigation Department to connect perpetrators with victims or enable offenders to pay compensation for damages caused. In the first month alone, 337 prisoners remained incarcerated while 664 were released after completing sentences under the plea bargaining framework.

Vice President of the Supreme Court, Hitiyaremye Alphonse, confirmed that the program applies to all crimes, but emphasized that it does not remove the discretion of prosecutors or the courts.

Judiciary reports show that in the 2024/2025 judicial year, cases concluded through mediation increased by 32%, reaching 3,166 cases, up from 2,395 in the previous year. Meanwhile, 11,846 cases were settled through plea bargains, a rise from 9,851 cases in 2023/2024, representing a 20% increase.

The program is seen as a key measure in reducing prison congestion while maintaining legal oversight and promoting justice through reconciliation and compensation.