The role community-based mediators, Abunzi, play is undisputable and that Rwandans still trust them in terms of delivering fair justice, Justice minister Johnston Busingye has said.

However, the minister said such an important role can only be sustained if the members went about their work with a high level of integrity and professionalism.

Busingye, who is also the Attorney General, was officiating at the swearing in ceremony of the newly-elected committees of Abunzi in Nyakiriba Sector, Rubavu District, last week.

"This is a valued initiative by the government given its meaning to the lives of Rwandans, mediators are one of Rwanda’s homegrown solutions and a symbol that we know where to go and what is important for Rwandans, that is what independence means,” said Busingye.

"In conventional courts, you know when you start the case but you never know when it will end,” Busingye said, adding that this was different with the local mediation process.

Last week, countrywide elections were held for Abunzi, who have been critical in solving disputes within communities, reducing the number of cases that end up in courts of law.

Since the Abunzi concept was reintroduced in the community in 2003, mediators have played a core role in solving social conflicts at local levels and cut down the backlog of cases which were taken to courts.

There are 17,900 mediators countrywide, with a committee of seven both at the sector and cell level.

Unlike previously where mediators dealt with social conflicts of value not exceeding Rwf3 million, the current committees will deal with cases not exceeding Rwf5 million in value.

Minister Busingye commended the outgoing committees for the role they played in building social cohesion and pledged continued support to the Abunzi.

He also urged Rwandans to seek justice from mediators to have their disputes solved other than taking them to courts.

Busingye stressed that the event was not to witness mediators take oath but also to celebrate rich culture and pride of being Rwandan.

Leonille Mukabarisa, one of the newly-sworn in mediators, said they were ready to serve to ensure that people are happy with services and live in harmony.

"I have served previously as a mediator and enjoyed my work, we are committed to working diligently and delivering to the people,” she said.

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