On Friday, April 4th, 2025, the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with International Alert-Rwanda, hosted a workshop for Government Legal Advisors. The focus was on exploring the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as an effective tool for managing conflicts involving the Government, while minimizing the need for lengthy litigation.

In his opening remarks, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja emphasized the alignment of ADR with Rwanda’s historical and cultural approach to resolving disputes.

"Building on Rwanda’s historical and cultural approach for solving problems, I am certainly convinced that embracing ADR is something achievable in the near future, because it is at the core of Rwandans’ values and aspirations." He expressed.

The workshop underscored several key benefits of ADR, including quicker resolution times and lower costs compared to traditional litigation. Dr. Ugirashebuja explained that ADR mechanisms like mediation and arbitration offer more cost-effective and expedited solutions for conflict resolution, enabling Government institutions to save on legal expenses. Additionally, ADR allows parties to find creative and flexible solutions that may not be available through conventional court proceedings, fostering amicable resolutions while preserving relationships.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Ugirashebuja reiterated the Government’s commitment to advancing ADR, particularly mediation, and urged Government Legal Advisors to integrate ADR into their professional duties.

The workshop provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the practical implementation of ADR, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of Rwanda's legal system while fostering peaceful conflict resolution and improving access to justice.