Rwanda’s justice sector is preparing for a new phase of transformation as the country moves toward integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into court operations, a development expected to improve efficiency, reduce delays and strengthen access to justice.
Supreme Court President and Chairperson of the Judicial Council, Rt. Hon. Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, said AI will build on years of reforms that have transformed the sector from institutions recovering after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi into a modern system increasingly driven by technology.
She said the technology will help courts process large volumes of case files, support legal analysis and allow justice professionals to focus more on matters requiring human judgment.
“AI is the next step,” Mukantaganzwa said, explaining that Rwanda has already established a digital foundation through a shared system used by courts, prosecutors, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and court bailiffs.
“The system we use was first upgraded and aligned with current needs because it is not only used by courts. It is also used by the prosecution, RIB and bailiffs. We all work within the same system, and the next step is integrating AI,” she said.
The planned adoption of AI follows years of efforts to rebuild Rwanda’s justice system after the genocide, when the country faced major institutional challenges, including a shortage of qualified legal professionals.
Mukantaganzwa said strengthening human capacity has been a key priority, with reforms requiring judges to have legal training at university level. Today, many judges, prosecutors, court registrars and investigators hold advanced academic qualifications, including Master’s and PhD degrees.
She attributed part of this progress to continuous professional development programmes, including those provided through the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), which helps justice sector professionals keep pace with changes in law and international standards.
Technology has also become a major pillar of justice delivery. Court users can now access information such as hearing dates through digital platforms, reducing unnecessary travel and making services more accessible.
Mukantaganzwa said Rwanda’s justice reforms go beyond improving efficiency and also focus on reconciliation and peaceful dispute resolution.
Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms have been promoted, particularly in civil and commercial cases, allowing parties to seek mutually agreed solutions before engaging in lengthy court proceedings.
“Alternative dispute resolution is not avoiding justice. It is a way of resolving conflicts where both sides feel respected and can reach lasting solutions,” she said.
The justice sector has also introduced reforms aimed at making divorce proceedings less confrontational by encouraging couples to agree on issues such as children’s welfare, property and other responsibilities before court intervention.
Mukantaganzwa said accountability remains central to maintaining public confidence in justice institutions, stressing that no official is above the law.
“A judge, prosecutor or anyone working in the justice sector who commits wrongdoing is held accountable like any other citizen,” she said.
Looking ahead, she said Rwanda’s objective is to continue building a justice system that is faster, fairer and more responsive to citizens’ needs.
The integration of AI, she said, represents another step in ensuring that Rwanda’s justice sector keeps pace with technological progress while maintaining fairness and public trust.
