A total of 141 individuals including members of the justice sector, the private sector, and other government officials, graduated as part of the ninth cohort of Rwanda’s Mediation Skills Training Programme, on November 8, joining 840 previous graduates.
The six-month programme offered by the Edwards Mediation Academy in the US is praised for its practical approach. It equips participants with skills for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to enhance conflict management in various sectors.
Lawyer Sarah Uzamukunda, one of the graduates, shared her interest in the programme: "Throughout the mediation training, I learned effective mediation techniques to facilitate amicable settlements, enabling parties to resolve disputes quickly and satisfactorily, without resorting to lengthy court processes.”
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Uzamukunda noted that the skills acquired will allow her to assist the community in promoting peaceful conflict resolution, preserving relationships, and strengthening Rwanda’s social fabric.
Alain Ngoga, the Commercial Director of Sanlam-Allianz Insurance, expressed similar appreciation, highlighting the value of mediation for the insurance sector.
He explained, "We face numerous litigations, often requiring mediation, yet we lack trained mediators. This programme taught us the essential components of mediation—convening, opening, and negotiation—making dispute resolution faster and more confidential.”
Ngoga emphasized that mediation’s collaborative nature, along with its confidentiality, strengthens client relationships, preserves the company’s reputation, and fosters a more constructive resolution process compared to traditional court battles.
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Another participant, Bronus Abilatejieu from Cameroon, shared his journey into mediation. Initially coming to Rwanda to study law to become a lawyer, he found mediation to be an essential skill for the private sector.
"In our society, mismanaged emotions can lead to conflict escalation. Mediation training taught me emotional control, crucial for resolving disputes amicably. With mediation still in its infancy in Cameroon, I am delighted to bring back a wealth of knowledge to help establish this valuable practice,” he said.
Presiding over the ceremony, Chief Justice Faustin Ntazilyayo expressed his gratitude to Edwards Mediation Academy for its continued support in developing ADR within Rwanda’s justice system.
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He encouraged the graduates, stating, "You are embarking on a journey of lifelong learning in a field that is becoming increasingly relevant both nationally and internationally. Mediation allows for the efficient, cost-effective resolution of civil and commercial disputes, helping parties reach sustainable agreements tailored to their needs.”
Ntazilyayo pointed out the growing integration of mediation with other dispute resolution mechanisms, such as arbitration. He referenced Singapore’s example, where mediation and litigation are combined for efficient dispute handling, underscoring the versatility of mediation even in complex cases.
He added that as mediation gains traction worldwide, Rwanda’s Mediation Skills Training Programme marks a significant step in fostering an ADR culture that promotes harmony, efficiency, and voluntary compliance in resolving disputes.