A training workshop on evidence law was held from August 20^th to 23^rd, 2024, at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development, with funding provided by the European Union (EU). The workshop aimed to enhance the skills and capacity of government attorneys, ultimately improving service delivery and public accountability.

The training brought together 35 participants, including Senior State Attorneys, State Attorneys, and contracted private lawyers who represent various Government of Rwanda (GoR) entities. The training focused on key topics such as the new evidence law and its implications for evidence profiling, as well as the crucial role of attorneys in arbitration, adjudication, negotiation, and mediation. A particular emphasis was placed on the management and necessity of evidence within these legal processes.

The workshop facilitated the exchange of practical experiences and best practices, equipping participants with the tools needed to handle litigation and arbitration cases more effectively.

Clement Habiyambere, a State Attorney at the National Land Authority, underscored the potential of the new law to revolutionize dispute resolution through the integration of technology in evidence handling.

He stated, "This law is indeed new; we examined the innovations it introduces, especially regarding the use of technology in evidence. It will be particularly useful in cases where evidence was previously deemed insufficient, despite the presence of digital communications like WhatsApp or email exchanges. All of this will bring significant changes. Sometimes, decisions cannot be made due to a lack of evidence.”

Habiyambere further explained that the new law would expedite dispute resolution in cases requiring evidence such as witness testimony or digital communications to prove ownership or other claims. "This will help resolve disputes more effectively," he concluded.

Prosper Habumuremyi, a Senior State Attorney at the Ministry of Justice, highlighted the distinct features of the 2024 law compared to the 2004 version.

Habumuremyi stated, “The scope of the 2024 law is broader than that of the 2004 law. The 2024 law is more comprehensive, as it governs evidence across both administrative and litigation contexts, whereas the 2004 law primarily focused on the production of evidence in litigation.”

This workshop represents a significant step forward in strengthening legal expertise within government institutions, reinforcing the role of attorneys in dispute resolution and ensuring the effective implementation of the new evidence law.