August 22, 2025, the second round of 41 Maison de l’Accès à la Justice (MAJ) officials completed a five-day training of trainers on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) from August 18–22, 2025 at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD). The program, organized by the Ministry of Justice (MINIJUST) in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), focused on Rwanda’s ADR Policy and Criminal Justice Policy, with particular emphasis on mediation and plea bargaining.

Participants are now expected to cascade their knowledge to other community actors, including Abunzi, MAJ District Committees, local leaders, family representatives, faith-based organizations, and grassroots mediators.

In total, 85 MAJ legal aid staff has now undergone this intensive training, designed to strengthen their ability to help citizens resolve conflicts amicably and reduce dependence on court litigation.

According to officials, the broader goal is to bring justice closer to the people by providing affordable, accessible, and efficient mechanisms for dispute resolution.

“We did not know the proper approaches to guide disputing parties until they reached reconciliation. Now, we are better equipped to carry out our responsibilities and to serve citizens more effectively,” said Vincent Muhirwa, a MAJ officer from Musanze District.

Similarly, Jeannette Sarah Uwingabire, MAJ Coordinator in Ngororero District, noted:

“I have always assisted citizens in resolving conflicts, but from now on I will put in even more effort so that community-based justice becomes stronger, more affordable, and accessible to all.”

From the policy side, Myriam Gahongayire, Head of the Access to Justice Department at MINIJUST, reminded participants that the country is counting on them to help reduce case backlogs in courts.

“We expect this training to make a difference in the way you deliver services, helping Rwanda achieve its targets under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), especially the promotion of accessible and efficient justice,” she said.

These national targets include reducing court case backlogs by 50%, raising service delivery satisfaction above 90%, and ensuring that over 90% of citizens feel confident in their personal and property security.

ILPD’s Academic Dean, Viateur Bangayandusha, also urged participants to represent the Ministry of Justice with integrity and to promote mediation as an effective alternative to lengthy litigation.

Since its establishment in 2007, MAJ has become a cornerstone of Rwanda’s justice system, with 85 staff deployed across all 30 districts—three officers per district: a coordinator, an officer in charge of enforcement of court judgments, and another focusing on gender-based violence prevention and survivor support.

By building the capacity of MAJ staff, the Ministry of Justice and ILPD aim to create a ripple effect that empowers communities to resolve disputes locally, reduces the burden on courts, and fosters reconciliation and social cohesion.