Supreme Court President Urges Judges to Reduce Backlogged Cases

MUSANZE, RWANDA - Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, President of the Supreme Court, has called on judges to expedite the delivery of justice and reduce the backlog of cases in Rwandan courts. She emphasized this during discussions on October 31 with judges and court staff at the Musanze High Court.

Mukantaganzwa highlighted that cases should generally be heard in the order they are filed, though postponements and other external factors may affect the schedule. At the Musanze High Court, 1,499 cases are currently recorded, with 1,096 identified as backlogged.

“Long-standing policies are in place to ensure that backlogged cases are addressed promptly,” Mukantaganzwa said. “In the reports submitted, you can see backlogs are being filed year after year, but there are very few old cases remaining, which are prioritized and completed.”

She clarified that any case not heard within six months is officially considered backlogged, explaining that this standard ensures timely justice for citizens. “Six months is not a long time, but it is necessary to provide fast service in the judiciary,” she said.

The Musanze High Court currently handles 1,214 cases, 95% of which are criminal and 5% civil. Of these, 585 cases dating back to 2022 remain backlogged, with criminal cases comprising 97% and civil cases 3%. Predominant offenses include drug-related crimes, child rape, theft, murder, and assault and battery.

Mukantaganzwa stressed that measures are being implemented to reduce these backlogs, ensuring that citizens receive timely judicial services and reinforcing the principle of prompt justice in Rwanda’s legal system.