Alternatives to courts should be promoted

The recent revelation by the president of the High Court that thousands of unnecessary lawsuits are still filed before courts of law, calls for the public to use other existing mechanisms to solve legal disputes. The Government has put in place such institutions as committees of mediators that are spread across the country, and the office of the Ombudsman, as a way of helping people solve disputes without necessarily having to go through litigation. While filing more law suits is an indication that Rwandans have confidence in the country’s legal system, it is equally true that seeking justice through courts is rather expensive and time consuming. We should, therefore, use these institutions, since by solving our disputes without resorting to courts, we also promote unity. Courts should serve as a last resort, when all other options have been exhausted, or in cases that can only be addressed by the courts of law. Local authorities in collaboration with the judiciary should embark on an awareness drive to sensitize the population about the benefits of using alternative mechanisms to solve disputes. This way, we will not only relieve our courts of the backlog, but also harness harmony within our respective communities. Ends

Opinions

Alternatives to courts should be promoted