Rwanda to Launch Two New Mediation Centers to Resolve Disputes Outside Courts

On March 4, 2026, the Ministry of Justice (MINIJUST) announced the establishment of two new mediation centers in the provinces to complement the existing center in Kigali City. These centers aim to provide out-of-court dispute resolution services and are part of Rwanda’s ongoing effort to strengthen access to justice. South Province: Center in Nyanza, opening in May 2026 Eastern Province: Construction expected to be completed by late 2026 or early 2027 The initiative was presented by Permanent Secretary Mbonera Théophile during the annual dialogue on access to justice organized by the Legal Aid Federation (LAF). The centers will: Receive clients seeking mediation instead of going directly to court Provide advice and connect them with trained mediators Serve as a line of first contact for disputes suitable for mediation A judicial mechanism now allows judges to recommend mediation before cases enter the court system. According to the Judiciary report for 2024/2025: Cases resolved through mediation increased by 32%, from 2,395 to 3,166 Cases settled via plea bargains rose by 20%, from 9,851 to 11,846 The non-judicial dispute resolution policy, launched in 2022, aims to reduce court backlogs from 62% at the policy’s start to 25% within five years. These centers are part of Rwanda’s long-term plan for each province to eventually have at least one mediation facility, promoting faster, fairer, and more accessible justice for all citizens.