OVERVIEW

According to the revised 2023 Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, the Judiciary safeguards human rights and freedoms, operating independently with financial and administrative autonomy. Judicial appointments, including those at the Supreme Court and High Courts, require presidential approval after Senate confirmation. The Constitution delineates two types of courts: Ordinary, consisting of various tiers, and Specialized, comprising Commercial and Military Courts, with the option to establish or dissolve such courts through organic law.

Article 43 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda of 2003 revised in 2023 provides that the Judiciary is the guardian of human rights and freedoms. This duty is exercised in accordance with this Constitution and other laws. According to the article 151 of the same constitution, the Judiciary is independent and exercises financial and administrative autonomy.

The President and Vice President of the Supreme Court, the President and Vice President of the High Court, and the President and Vice President of the Commercial High Court are appointed by a presidential order after approval by the Senate. The President of the Republic appoints them after consultation with Cabinet and the High Council of the Judiciary (Article 154 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda of 2003 revised in 2023).

Article 153 of the Constitution of Republic of Rwanda provides that courts consist of Ordinary and Specialized Courts. Ordinary Courts are comprised of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, the High Court and its 5 chambers, Intermediate Courts and Primary Courts. Specialized Courts are comprised of Commercial Courts and Military Courts. An organic law may establish or remove an ordinary or specialized court.