In an exclusive interview with IGIHE following her swearing-in ceremony on December 12, 2024, Justice Mukantaganzwa highlighted her key priorities: tackling the backlog of cases, promoting alternative dispute resolution, and combating corruption within the judiciary.
Upon assuming office, Mukantaganzwa stressed the importance of understanding the judicial system’s structure and personnel, with a goal to address the inefficiencies that hinder the timely delivery of justice.
Tackling the case backlog
One of the most pressing challenges facing Rwanda’s judicial system is the backlog of cases. Mukantaganzwa acknowledged this issue as a major barrier to delivering swift and fair justice.
To address this, she has proposed a categorization of cases to better understand their nature and complexity.
'For example, in civil cases, we can assist the parties in reaching a settlement. Even in criminal cases, some can be resolved through mediation, which can help speed up the justice process,' she said.
The Chief Justice believes that mediation, especially for less serious offenses, could significantly ease the burden on courts.
Mediation, according to Mukantaganzwa, is an effective tool in ensuring that both parties come to an understanding, even if the case is resolved outside the courtroom.
She emphasized that the primary goal is to 'resolve the issue and have both parties reconcile,' which would ultimately lead to positive outcomes for society as a whole.
In her view, resolving cases outside the courtroom would not only save time but also reduce the overcrowding in prisonsâ”a problem that is intricately linked to the backlog of cases.
'Not all cases are of the same nature or weight,' she pointed out. Some cases, she noted, are simple and could be resolved much quicker without formal court proceedings.
By promoting alternative dispute resolution methods, Mukantaganzwa believes that a significant portion of disputes could be settled without overwhelming the judicial system.
The New Chief Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa with his predecessor, Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo at the handover ceremony on Thursday.
Strengthening public trust and fighting corruption
A major theme of Mukantaganzwa’s vision is restoring public trust in the judiciary. The Chief Justice highlighted that one of the core reasons behind public dissatisfaction with the judicial process is the perception of corruption.
To counter this, she emphasized the need for a transparent and unbiased judiciary.
'Corruption is an individual problem, not an institutional one,' Mukantaganzwa asserted.
She made it clear that any judge or judicial employee found involved in corruption would face strict legal consequences, including criminal prosecution and removal from office.
The aim, she explained, is to foster public confidence by ensuring that the judiciary remains free of corruption.
In her view, the fight against corruption must go hand-in-hand with a broader effort to educate the public about the importance of trust and fairness in the legal system.
'Ultimately, the responsibility is to build confidence in the judiciary,' she added. 'We must continue to foster trust by ensuring the justice system is transparent, unbiased, and fair.'
Leveraging technology
While technology has been playing a role in streamlining processes across various sectors, Mukantaganzwa recognizes that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for the judiciary.
She expressed openness to using technology where it can assist in speeding up case processing but cautioned that technology should not be seen as a magical fix for the backlog.
'The backlog is more related to our mentality as Rwandans,' she explained.
In her view, many cases brought before the courts could be resolved through other means, such as community mediation or restorative justice, without the need for lengthy legal battles.
Appointed on December 3, 2024, the New Chief Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa succeded Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo who had held the position since December 6, 2019.
Upholding judicial integrity
The Chief Justice also emphasized the critical role of integrity in the judiciary. In her message to those working within the judicial system, she urged them to remain firm in their commitment to fair and transparent justice.
Mukantaganzwa highlighted the national implications of judicial decisions and the importance of making choices that promote unity and public trust.
'We must always ask ourselves, 'Do the citizens perceive this decision as fair?’' she remarked. For her, the law is the ultimate guide, and decisions must be rooted in it.
She believes that the judiciary’s decisions have far-reaching consequences, and therefore, judges and court personnel must always ensure their actions align with the law, ensuring fairness and justice for all.
Chief Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa was sworn in on Thursday.
