A delegation led by H.E. Gilles Cerutti, Ambassador of Switzerland to Rwanda, and the Permanent Secretary/Solicitor General at the Ministry of Justice (MINIJUST), Mr. Mbonera Théophile, visited Karongi District on 8 September 2026 to review progress in Access to Justice and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and assess the implementation of Swiss-supported Justice Sector initiatives.

The Swiss delegation included Mr. Bernhard Bieri, Programme Officer for the Great Lakes Region at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

The delegation met with Karongi District authorities and members of the Justice, Reconciliation, Law and Order Sector (JRLOS) District Committee to discuss achievements, challenges and lessons learned in strengthening Access to Justice and ADR services. They also visited the Tubibe Amahoro ADR Centre in Bwishyura Sector, a Swiss-supported initiative that provides a community-based platform for resolving disputes amicably.

Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Cerutti highlighted Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Rwanda’s efforts to strengthen access to justice.

“Switzerland is proud to support Rwanda’s efforts to strengthen Access to Justice and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Through initiatives such as the Tubibe Amahoro ADR Centre, we are supporting solutions that bring justice services closer to communities and help people resolve disputes peacefully and effectively,” said H.E. Gilles Cerutti, Ambassador of Switzerland to Rwanda.

The Permanent Secretary/Solicitor General, Mr. Mbonera Théophile, appreciated Switzerland’s continued support to Rwanda’s justice sector, noting the importance of partnerships in strengthening access to justice and ADR services at the community level.

“Partnerships such as this one are important in strengthening access to justice and ensuring that ADR services reach the communities that need them. The experience of the Tubibe Amahoro ADR Centre demonstrates the value of bringing dispute resolution mechanisms closer to citizens and strengthening community participation in resolving disputes,” said Mr. Mbonera Théophile.

At the Centre, the delegation observed its operations and interacted with beneficiaries to learn about their experiences. Discussions focused on the Centre’s contribution to resolving community disputes, as well as the importance of community ownership and sustainability of ADR services.

The visit provided an opportunity for MINIJUST, local justice stakeholders and Swiss cooperation partners to exchange experiences and strengthen collaboration in support of Justice sector reforms at the local level.

The delegation also participated in an Inteko y’Abaturage held in Bwishyura Sector, Burunga Cell, Nyabikenke Village, where they engaged with community members on issues related to access to justice and dispute resolution.