The ceremony, held at the newly inaugurated United States Institute of Peace, was attended by US President Donald Trump, African leaders, and key international dignitaries.
In his opening remarks, President Trump described the event as “a great day for Africa, a great day for the world, and a great day for these two countries.” He praised the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC for their courage and persistence in bringing the long-running conflict in eastern Congo to a potential close after three decades.
“This compact we are signing today, known as the Washington Accords, formalises the terms agreed to in June, including a permanent ceasefire, disarmament of non-state forces, provisions for refugees to return home, and justice for those who have committed atrocities,” Trump said.
The US Head of State also emphasised the accord’s economic dimension, highlighting the potential for regional economic integration and US investment in the two countries’ mineral wealth.
President Paul Kagame, who spoke after Trump, expressed deep gratitude to all parties involved, singling out President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Senior Advisor Massad Boulos for their pivotal roles in creating a space for breakthrough negotiations.
Kagame emphasised that the responsibility for the success of the accord ultimately rests with African nations themselves.
“If this agreement falters and things do not work out as they are supposed to, the responsibility will not lie with President Trump, but with ourselves,” he said. He reassured that Rwanda will play its part decisively:
“It is up to us in Africa, working with our partners, to consolidate and expand this peace. There will be ups and downs on the road ahead. There is no doubt about it. Rwanda, I know, will not be found wanting. I can assure you of that.”
He framed the accord as a clear path toward a prosperous and stable future for Rwanda, emphasising the country’s commitment to security and development after enduring years of tragedy.
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi also hailed the accord as a turning point, describing it as more than just a document, but “a framework for regional economic integration and cooperation that finally overcomes the cycle of violence, mistrust, and forced displacement.”
He reaffirmed the DRC’s commitment to fully implementing its obligations under the agreement and called for mutual respect and collaboration between the two nations.
The Washington Accord represents not only a formal ceasefire but also a framework for justice, economic cooperation, and regional integration. It aims to dismantle the FDLR militia, composed of remnants of those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi who fled to the DRC and have continued to promote genocidal ideology, posing a threat to Rwanda’s security along the border.
The agreement also aims to facilitate refugee returns and create new opportunities for prosperity in both countries.
The signing ceremony was attended by African leaders, including Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, William Ruto of Kenya, João Lourenço of Angola, and Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové of Togo, as well as representatives from Uganda, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the African Union.
The sites, covering a combined 14,020 hectares across the country, are categorised into medium- and large-scale mining zones, with four designated for extraction of the 3Ts (tin, tungsten, tantalum), four set aside for exploration, and two dedicated to gemstone mining.
RMB, which is hosting the mining week, noted that the minerals remain in high global demand due to their use in construction, aviation, military equipment, electronics, batteries, and jewellery.
Among the identified extraction zones is Binyeri in Rukoma Sector, Kamonyi District (70 ha), which contains cassiterite, lithium, and beryllium and is earmarked for medium-scale mining. In Bugesera District, the Musenyi site spans 1,000 hectares and is designated for large-scale mining of cassiterite, coltan, lithium, and beryllium.
Gatsibo District’s Rubiha site (450 ha) contains high-grade cassiterite with purity levels between 90.5% and 99.08%, while the Minazi zone in Gakenke District (700 ha) features cassiterite, coltan, and gemstones.
RMB also listed several exploration zones, including Shyorongi in Rulindo District (3,175 ha), where cassiterite, wolfram, coltan, and gold deposits were identified. Other exploration sites include Kabagari–Kinihira in Ruhango District (1,500 ha) and Bihembe in Rwamagana District (1,600 ha).
In Rubavu District, the Kivumu–Nyamyumba zone (875 ha) contains cassiterite, coltan, wolfram, and beryllium. For gemstones, the Bushekeri–Rangiro area in Nyamasheke District (1,400 ha) hosts sapphire, amethyst, smoky quartz, and ruby, while Kanama in Rubavu District contains tourmaline, sapphire, beryl, and almandine.
RMB CEO Alice Uwase encouraged investors to apply for licences, emphasising financial capacity, technical expertise, and appropriate equipment as key requirements. Applications are open from December 3, 2025, to March 3, 2026, with RMB planning guided site visits in January 2026.
“We expect strong interest. In the last licensing cycle, we received 73 applications for 10 sites, and we anticipate that number will double this year,” Uwase said, urging investors to consider partnerships or joint ventures to meet regulatory thresholds.
This is the second major discovery announcement in 2025. In May, RMB unveiled 10 mineral-rich sites covering 13,454 hectares.
Rwanda’s mining sector, which employs over 92,000 people, generated $1.75 billion in 2024. The country aims to reach $2.2 billion in mineral export revenues by 2029 and increase mineral traceability and collection rates from 40% to 80%.
Rwanda extracts minerals including wolframite, cassiterite, and coltan, processed into tungsten, tin, and tantalum, with an annual production of 8,000 to 10,000 tons. The country also mines gold, sapphire, and lithium, alongside ongoing exploration to identify new deposits. Increasingly, Rwanda is focusing on value addition through local processing.
The Gasabo Gold Refinery, now in its sixth year of operation, has an annual capacity of 96 tons. Director Kayobotsi Bosco told IGIHE that the facility has reached 30% of capacity, 28.8 tons annually. Monthly production has grown from 600 kilograms to 2.5 tons.
“We started by processing about 600 kilograms per month, and now we are processing 2.5 tons per month,” he said, noting the steady growth over the years. Gold processed at the refinery comes from Rwanda and six non-conflict African countries.
“They want us to process their gold. It’s easier to bring it because Rwanda has adequate security,” he added.
Processing yields significant benefits. Gold refined to 99.99% purity sells for over $134,000 per kilogram, compared to about $120,000 for unprocessed gold. Silver, often discarded when gold is sold raw, can fetch more than $1,800 per kilogram when refined. The refinery employs 42 Rwandans and aims to reach 50% capacity, about four tons per month, next year.
Tin processing has also expanded. LuNa Smelter, which began operations in 2018/19, has increased output from 100 to over 250 tons of tin per month, with a purification rate of 99.95%. Interim operations manager Parfait Udakemwa said the plant plans to reach 320 tons next year and targets 600 tons per month within five years. It employs 161 staff and sources cassiterite from across Rwanda.
Rwanda is also adopting advanced technologies in mining. The country has shifted from basic tools to research-driven methods and is now introducing robots to improve safety and efficiency. Through discussions with Zora Robotics, Rwanda plans to deploy robots in underground tunnels to assess ground stability, measure gas levels, and monitor workers.
Zora Robotics CEO Benjamin Karenzi said the company has over 60 robots operating in various sectors and is ready to support mining. Robots, operating on 5G, will inspect tunnels before miners enter and track worker movements, helping to reduce accidents and raise productivity. The technology is already used in South Africa and may cost up to 120 million Rwandan Francs per mine.
The initiative has gained support from investors such as British businessman Ray Power, whose company processes 120 tons of coltan per month in Bugesera. He said improved worker safety strengthens client confidence and long-term cooperation.
Rwanda aims to increase mining export revenues to $2.2 billion by 2029 and raise mineral recovery rates from 40% to 80%. In May 2025, the country identified new mineral zones spanning 13,454 hectares, with more discoveries expected.
The funding, provided through the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), will finance the Revenue Improvement and Spending Efficiency Program-for-Results (PforR). The program aims to modernise tax administration, reinforce public investment management, and promote accountability across government systems, ensuring that development outcomes reach citizens and businesses more effectively.
“This program reflects our strong partnership with Rwanda and our shared ambition to scale up transformational governance reforms that create jobs, strengthen fiscal resilience, and improve service delivery for all Rwandans,” said Sahr Kpundeh, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda, in a statement released in late November.
“By supporting both national institutions and local government structures, the program reinforces Rwanda’s decentralisation agenda and helps ensure that development outcomes reach citizens where they live and work.”
The initiative aims to increase domestic revenue mobilisation by expanding the use of electronic billing machines (EBMs) for VAT compliance and modernising property tax registration and valuation systems. It also seeks to enhance national-level public spending efficiency and transparency through improved project feasibility studies, institutionalised asset management, strengthened procurement, and better oversight of state-owned enterprises.
At the local level, the program focuses on improving planning and accountability, ensuring that districts prepare evidence-based development strategies, publish budget performance reports, strengthen financial management practices, and design viable local economic development projects.
The program is aligned with Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST-2), which emphasises an efficient, transparent, and citizen-centred public sector. It builds on over two decades of World Bank support for Rwanda’s public financial management reforms, which have positioned the country as a regional leader in accountable governance.
The reforms also leverage technology, including piloting AI-enabled functionalities within the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), aimed at reducing operational inefficiencies and enhancing financial oversight.
“This program represents a significant step forward in Rwanda’s efforts to expand its domestic resource base and ensure that every franc is used efficiently,” said Meron Tadesse Techane, World Bank Senior Financial Management Specialist.
“By leveraging technology, strengthening institutions, and incentivizing good practices at both national and district levels, the program will help the government deliver better services, build trust with citizens, and expand opportunities for private sector–led job creation.”
Direct beneficiaries include national ministries, state-owned companies, and all 30 districts, while citizens and businesses will benefit indirectly from a more predictable public finance system, higher-quality services, and better-managed public investments.
The IDA, established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low- or zero-interest loans for projects that stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve lives. Rwanda is among the 40 African countries benefiting from IDA financing.
The national carrier’s Boeing B737-800NG departed Kigali International Airport for Zanzibar and Mombasa on Monday morning.
“This is a milestone for intra-Africa travel. More beaches, more beauty, more East Africa,” the airline said in a post on X.
The new service, which begins just ahead of the holiday season, operates four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Flight WB 444 departs Kigali at 9:50 AM, arriving in Zanzibar, Tanzania, at 12:50 PM before continuing to Mombasa, Kenya, where it lands at 2:35 PM. The return flight, WB 445, leaves Mombasa at 5:10 PM, with a brief stop in Zanzibar, arriving back in Kigali at 8:00 PM.
The route marks RwandAir’s return to Mombasa, where it last flew in 2019, and introduces Zanzibar as a fresh addition to its growing East African network. With this expansion, RwandAir now serves three destinations in Tanzania and two in Kenya, further strengthening Kigali’s role as a regional travel hub.
“Returning to Mombasa and introducing Zanzibar is another step forward in our ambitious growth journey,” Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir, said in October. “By expanding our East African network, we are giving our customers more opportunities to explore the region, while also opening doors for trade, tourism and stronger ties across East Africa.”
The route is designed to cater to both weekend getaways and extended vacations, offering travellers convenient access to pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and world-class leisure experiences.
As the recent winner of Skytrax’s Best African Regional Airline award, RwandAir continues to underline its commitment to regional connectivity and enhancing the travel experience. The airline operates a fleet of 13 aircraft, serving over 144 destinations globally through direct flights and codeshare partnerships.
The troops completed their basic military training under the guidance of instructors from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) on Saturday, marking another milestone in the growing defence cooperation between the two nations.
The pass-out ceremony, held at Camp Kassai Military Barracks in Bangui, was presided over by President Faustin Archange Touadéra, who applauded the newly enrolled soldiers for their commitment and resilience throughout the programme.
Alongside the new recruits, 121 platoon sergeants graduated from a six-month leadership course also delivered by RDF instructors. The group is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping discipline, coordination, and operational efficiency within the ranks of the FACA.
Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, the RDF Army Chief of Staff, attended the ceremony as a distinguished guest. In his remarks, he congratulated the graduates and urged them to uphold professionalism, competence, and discipline as they assume their duties. He encouraged the new platoon sergeants to lead by example and provide consistent support and guidance to their commanders.
Gen Victor Yacoub, Deputy Chief of Staff of the FACA, expressed deep appreciation for Rwanda’s continued support, noting that the RDF has now trained a total of 2,409 soldiers in basic military skills and 300 non-commissioned officers. He commended the trainees for demonstrating discipline and dedication throughout the programme.
The ceremony featured demonstrations of key competencies acquired during training, including marksmanship, martial arts and map-reading skills that highlight the operational readiness of the new recruits.
Rwandan forces first deployed to the Central African Republic in 2014 as part of peacekeeping efforts following civil unrest in 2012. Initially under the African Union mission MISCA, and later the United Nations mission MINUSCA, Rwandan troops have played a key role in protecting civilians, safeguarding UN facilities, and providing security for the Head of State and his family.
In 2020, Rwanda reinforced its support through additional troop deployments and military training programs for the Central African Republic’s armed forces.
He was speaking at a roundtable with the press on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
In recent weeks, political instability has rocked both Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar, with coups unfolding in each country amid growing public discontent.
In Guinea-Bissau, the military seized control on November 26, 2025, a day before the results of a contentious presidential election were to be announced.
The military detained the sitting president and declared a one-year transitional government, led by Horta Inta-A Na Man. This sudden move has left the nation in uncertainty, with the army’s actions raising concerns about the true motives behind the coup.
Similarly, Madagascar experienced a coup in October 2025, following weeks of youth-led protests driven by frustrations over water and power shortages, rising living costs, and rampant corruption.
The unrest culminated when an elite military unit, refusing to suppress the protests, moved to oust President Andry Rajoelina.
The military declared the dissolution of key government institutions and the formation of a transitional government, responding to the growing public sentiment that leadership had failed to address critical issues.These coups add to a broader trend of military takeovers in Africa, echoing similar unrest.
Responding to a journalist’s question on what such coups reveal about the state of governance on the continent, Kagame recalled his first reaction to the coup in Guinea-Bissau, noting that he initially questioned whether the military was staging a coup against itself.
“When I heard it first, I thought somebody was carrying out a coup against himself,” Kagame remarked, further adding that he still needed time to fully confirm what had occurred.
However, he emphasized that such incidents typically reveal significant underlying problems in leadership. He expressed his belief that, in many cases, coups signify widespread dissatisfaction with the current governance, suggesting that “where coups are taking place, there must be something wrong.”
Drawing from past incidents, including the political instability in Madagascar, Kagame underscored a recurring pattern.
“Once there is a coup, maybe 90% of the time, it means in that place there has been a problem,” he explained.
The President also critiqued the international community’s inconsistent praise of certain African leaders, noting that these coups often serve as a wake-up call, exposing the false narratives propagated by some global powers about stability in Africa.
“These coups only happen to tell these people you’ve been telling lies,” he said.
Addressing the concerns of young Africans, Kagame acknowledged the frustration felt by many, though he urged for greater responsibility and understanding.
He argued that rather than succumbing to reckless behavior, leaders must work to ensure that young people feel included and responsible for their country’s progress.
“It’s our responsibility to do something so that they have no need to do that,” Kagame asserted, emphasizing that open dialogue and transparency from leaders could help prevent violent uprisings.
Kagame remarked that he believes there are “good coups and bad coups,” depending on surrounding circumstances.
“There might be a coup by somebody who got high-handed, and high anyway, just got high-handed, and became reckless and thought because he has a gun he will go and take power. That’s a bad coup,” he said.
“But if somebody, a group of people say no, enough is enough. These guys have been telling us lies, they’ve been doing this, they’re enriching themselves, cheating us. You can’t have it anymore, it’s stinking. And they go for whatever form they do it, I think I am okay with it. I know it will be misunderstood, but I am happy to take the risk. I’m okay with that,” he added.
However, he also cautioned that for such movements to be legitimate, they must lead to meaningful change and not repeat the same mistakes of those they overthrew.
“If you come and do the very things you overthrew people for, or do worse, then why did you come out to the coup?” Kagame asked, suggesting that such a scenario would warrant another uprising.
The announcement came during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Devki Mega Steel Project in Tororo District, Uganda, on November 23, attended by Kenyan President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. Both leaders confirmed plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Kenya to Uganda and onward to Rwanda, and to co-own the Mombasa-Kampala oil pipeline.
“In January, we will be launching the extension of the SGR from Naivasha to Malaba, then to Kampala, and onwards to the Democratic Republic of Congo, passing through Rwanda. This project is aimed at improving transport and logistics across the region to enhance competitiveness,” President Ruto said.
He also confirmed progress on the pipeline: “Joint investment of the pipeline from Eldoret through Kampala to the border with DRC and Rwanda is in an advanced stage. The governments of Kenya and Uganda have given approval to co-invest in extending this pipeline so it can serve East Africa as a jointly owned facility.”
Kenya is divesting around 60 percent of the pipeline’s ownership to allow Uganda, Rwanda, and private investors to participate.
“As the governments and regional investors co-invest in the Kenya Pipeline Company, I encourage citizens of our region to equally participate. Shares will be made available to public entities, but more importantly, to citizens of our region,” Ruto added.
President Museveni praised the initiative, emphasising its broader impact on regional trade and security.
“These roads and transport systems are currently inefficient. We need to rationalise them. Fuel will go through the pipeline, while cargo and passengers will use the railway. This will allow us to co-invest up to the Congo border and ensure the secure transport of resources,” Museveni said.
Rwanda has already completed feasibility studies for the railway extension through its territory, with government officials confirming readiness to implement the project once the neighbouring countries finalise their sections.
“The studies will guide the construction process. Now, it is a matter of seeing neighbouring countries begin their sections,” Emmanuel Nuwamanya, acting Head of Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Infrastructure, told a forum organised by the African Development Bank on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Preparations for Uganda’s section of the SGR from Malaba to Kampala have already begun, with Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi conducting geotechnical surveys along the 273-kilometre corridor. Most of the land has been acquired, ending nearly two decades of delays.
The projects, which include upgrading Northern Corridor roads and constructing dual carriageways linking key border towns, are expected to reduce transport costs, boost regional trade, generate thousands of jobs, and strengthen integration across East Africa, including Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda.
The project, currently 57% complete, has already created 560 jobs and plans to install floating solar panels, marking a milestone in the country’s push for renewable energy.
Once operational, the dam will generate 43.5 megawatts of electricity and give rise to a 67-kilometre lake, the fourth-largest in Rwanda, stretching from Kamonyi and Gakenke to Muhanga, Ngororero, and Nyabihu.
The lake will reach a depth of 59 metres and hold 803 million cubic metres of water, reshaping landscapes and opening new opportunities for irrigation, flood control, and water-based activities.
The project is being constructed by the Chinese company Sinohydro Corporation and represents the first phase of the Nyabarongo II Multipurpose Development Project. Beyond power generation, it will support irrigation along the Nyabarongo, Akagera, and Akanyaru rivers, reduce flooding downstream, and improve access to clean water for surrounding communities.
According to the Energy Development Corporation Ltd (EDCL), the dam’s powerhouse, where turbines will convert water into electricity, is 54.5% complete, while the water-retaining wall has reached 41%. The transmission lines connecting the dam to the national grid are 6.4% complete, and the outlet channel for excess water is 32.6% built.
So far, $93 million has been spent, representing 43.7% of the $214 million budget, while Italian firm Studio Pietrangeli oversees construction supervision, having spent €2.8 million (56% of the €5.2 million planned).
Mushuti Anicet, EDCL official overseeing the project, highlighted the technical challenge of converting river water into energy:
“To generate hydropower, we rely on two things: sufficient water volume and the height from which it falls. The river was in a valley, so we built a wall to hold the water and allow it to rise to the height we need. It will eventually reach 59 metres; currently, it stands at 15 metres.”
Originally, the project was designed to produce 37.5 MW, but an upgrade in 2018 increased its capacity to 43.5 MW, adding to Rwanda’s total hydropower capacity of 406.4 MW. The government aims to achieve universal electricity access by 2029, up from the current 86%.
The floating solar component will generate 200 megawatts and store energy for use during periods without sunlight, making Nyabarongo II one of the first projects in Rwanda to combine hydropower and solar energy on such a large scale.
As the dam rises and the lake begins to take shape, the project is already impacting local communities. Roads are being upgraded, water transport routes prepared, and employment opportunities expanded. Officials say these developments will create a ripple effect for irrigation, agriculture, and other water-based economic activities across the region.
She was also the Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies in the Parliament, responsible for legal affairs and government oversight, a role she held for six years.
Mukabagwiza served as Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Canada and Cuba between 2007-2013, after which she was elected as a Member of Parliament from 2013-2018, and later became one of the leaders of the Chamber of Deputies.
She is an expert in law, having studied at the University of Rwanda after completing her secondary education at Collège Saint André.
Mukabagwiza holds a Master’s degree in Diplomacy from Washington International University in the United States, along with other qualifications in law. She has worked in various ministries and non-governmental organizations.
She recently took the oath to become a legal advocate and has founded her own firm, EM Pathways Legal & Advisory Ltd.
In an interview with IGIHE, this legal expert explained that becoming an advocate was something she chose to do after finishing her political career, emphasizing that it is a way to continue contributing to the country.
{{IGIHE: How did you transition to becoming an advocate?}}
{{Mukabagwiza:}} I have worked in the political field, meaning I was involved in a career where I had to step into the job market. I thought that I could be more useful by focusing on issues directly related to justice.
First of all, I am a lawyer. I studied law and later added other qualifications in this field, and with the experience I have, I felt it would help me continue my mission of serving the people.
A lawyer helps a citizen or an institution, but for our purposes, let’s focus on helping the people. It’s about advocating for justice and explaining the law to the public.
So, as someone trained in law and having taken part in justice-related duties, representing the people, I have a lot of information on what the citizens need.
I felt that moving into this profession would be beneficial, because a lawyer is not focused on their personal gain but on helping others legally.
Indeed, it is a profession that can sustain you and your family, but most importantly, a lawyer works with the justice system to ensure that justice is effectively delivered to the people as they need it. This is what led me to this profession.
{{Having served as Minister of Justice and Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, what core values do you bring to your ongoing service to the citizens?}}
I believe the values I had then are still the same as those I carry now. As a leader, it’s about fighting for the truth, advocating for justice, and being aware of the issues so that, in addition to what I already knew, I can continue sharing those insights with different bodies, whether governmental or partners, to find solutions.
I feel a responsibility to highlight what needs improvement, support what is going well to further build on it, and also help expand the boundaries.
The profession I’ve entered into shouldn’t be inward-looking. We should be like people in the world, in the region, and what’s happening should concern us.
We shouldn’t be people confined to just our country; as members of the EAC, we should expand our knowledge of how lawyers in the region work and how they practice.
I also come to learn because your knowledge is never enough. There are others with more experience in this profession, and I will learn from them, observe them, and sometimes follow how cases are being handled, how lawyers are advocating, to truly master this profession in the proper way.
I respect justice, both in front of the people, the Rwandan society, and the judges, because in our duties and oaths, we commit to respecting our profession and those we work with.
{{How do you think efforts should be prioritized?}}
I am an arbitratior, and I completed my training in June 2025. Looking at the issues within the justice system, the number of cases continues to increase rather than decrease. The problem here is that Rwandans still have numerous cases to settle.
Among the people, there are still disputes, but there is also the issue of some cases not being resolved quickly.
A person loses a case, and it is quite evident, but they continue to take the case to higher courts. This is an issue that has been ongoing, but it is good that the justice policy has begun to address these issues before they go to court.
People can be helped to meet and resolve their issues without wasting time or money, but at the same time, we need to educate them to avoid grudges.
{{What do you mean by holding grudges?}}
When one person says, “I will deal with you,” that’s where the gap grows. These are the problems that can cause people to drift apart in different ways.
There are cases that arise within families, between neighbors, or between friends.
Many people end up in court with someone they were very close to, especially when there is a disagreement over money lent, a partnership in a business, or other issues. These are things that show how close people were but then became divided.
{{What should be done in such cases?}}
I think that in our role as people responsible for justice and those who defend the law, we should put more effort into resolving these issues because the person comes to you, seeking advice.
That means, first, you can advise the person not to take the case to court, suggesting they should resolve it with the other party, whether they are right or wrong.
So, I believe the contribution I can bring is to work with others who joined this career before me, and together, we can look at ways to reduce the conflicts between people who are involved in legal disputes.
{{In your oath, you pledge not to defend an unjust case. What types of cases would you consider unjust and choose not to defend?}}
Some people come to court with false claims. When a person tells you their issue and you listen to them, sometimes you can immediately tell that they are not telling the truth.
For example, you might find that the person claiming someone has stolen from them is the one who actually took the property, but they are saying they were robbed.
At that point, you can give them advice, rather than going to court and defending something that isn’t true. It’s important to make them realize the truth.
If all lawyers gave clients this type of advice before they started, there would be fewer cases in the courts because you would have already shown them that they cannot win.
There is also the case where someone may admit they did something wrong but still want you to represent them as if they hadn’t done anything wrong. In such cases, it’s important to know the truth and advise them accordingly. Maybe you can help them reduce their penalties due to the circumstances, but the truth should always be part of the conversation.
For that person, if they want to pursue a case knowing they are wrong, you are not helping build the unity we want for Rwandans. It would not be in the interest of justice, and their actions might lead to an unfair verdict that could hurt them even more in the future.
{{How do you view a woman in justice today?}}
A woman, as she was created and how she stands, if she uses the gifts given to her by God well, with the kind heart she has to love people and be compassionate, she should be honest in justice, stand for the truth, and not back down. This would make her trustworthy.
Because of her compassion, she listens and acts quickly. I’m not saying that men don’t have these qualities; there are men who possess them, and they build these qualities based on their character and relationships.
So, a woman, using these values, continues to develop herself, becoming an honest person, and helping the justice system in many ways. However, the world we live in is tainted. This doesn’t mean that all women are flawless.
What advice would you give to those who have taken the oath, practicing and aspiring advocates?
This profession is a good one. It is a profession that gives you dignity as a lawyer, sustains you if you do it well, and helps the government, especially the justice sector.
My advice is that those in the profession should do it well and bring value to themselves and to the profession.
To do this, one must speak the truth, provide good counsel, and go before the court to represent a person you’ve read about, prepared for, and know that what you are asking for on behalf of the client is legitimate.
It is about recognizing the issues in the case you are handling and sharing them with others, without revealing the secrets of the person you represent, because lawyers are prohibited from doing that.
A lawyer is not just someone who goes before the court. They assist in many different ways: by drafting contracts, advising people, conducting research on a specific issue, offering consultations, and many other things.
Being a lawyer requires thinking ahead. For example, you might ask, “This issue brought to me today, if it involved 10 or 100 people, what kind of problem would it cause in the country?”
Then, you think that maybe the law should be revised, or a new law might come into existence, and then you seek advice from the relevant bodies.
{{What has been the most memorable experience for you throughout your career?}}
I can’t say there is something I specifically miss because, in all the responsibilities I have taken, I am a person who is close to the people and cares about them.
I believe the responsibilities I have carried have always brought me closer to the people, requiring me to protect them.
They asked me to gather the thoughts I encountered, which would build or support a particular program. Even now, I see that my role is to continue getting closer to the people and helping them. I don’t miss these duties because they complement each other.
