On February 14, 2025, during a public lecture for ILPD students enrolled in the Diploma in Legal Practice and Diploma in Child Justice Programs (executive mode) in Kigali, students were encouraged to prioritize mediation as a means of resolving conflicts. Mediation was highlighted as a more affordable and effective form of justice that promotes reconciliation and reduces the number of individuals sent to correctional facilities.

The session was conducted by Bruce Edwards, Co-founder of Edwards Mediation Academy, a California-based institution specializing in conflict resolution through mediation.

Edwards, a renowned mediation expert, explained that this approach provides a lasting solution by not only facilitating conflict resolution but also fostering reconciliation among disputing parties. Additionally, he emphasized that mediation helps alleviate the backlog of court cases, allowing for more efficient judicial processes.

“This is an additional tool for legal professionals to help their clients find lasting solutions at a lower cost and within a shorter period,” Edwards stated. “It increases access to justice, as in many countries, including Rwanda, the backlog of pending cases is high. This means that judges do not always have sufficient time to handle all cases effectively.”

Beyond mediation in civil disputes, Edwards also introduced the concept of plea bargaining, an alternative dispute resolution method in criminal cases. He explained that first-time offenders or those who have committed minor offenses can plead for leniency in court, potentially receiving suspended sentences and an opportunity to reform instead of being incarcerated.

Bernadette Uwicyeza, one of the students who attended the session, shared that she gained a deeper understanding of mediation and how it differs from common perceptions.

“Many Rwandans perceive mediation as simply bringing people together and advising them on what to do. However, I have learned that the role of a mediator is to facilitate discussions, allowing parties to express their perspectives and reach a mutual decision. The goal is to provide space for dialogue, as the parties themselves understand their issues best,” she explained.

She also noted that mediation follows a structured process with distinct steps leading to a resolution.

Jean Marie Niyitegeka, another ILPD student who works at the National Rehabilitation Service, emphasized the importance of mediation in rehabilitation efforts.

He pointed out that many individuals sent to rehabilitation centers often come from families experiencing unresolved conflicts. He added that if parents could be assisted through mediation, they would be better equipped to provide proper guidance to their children, helping prevent them from ending up on the streets or in correctional facilities.