Kagame Says Nobody Is above the Law in Rwanda

KIGALI, Rwanda, Sept. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rwanda's President Paul Kagame on Friday warned politicians in his government to ensure there is nobody in Rwanda who should be above the law. He warned them of gratification.

"No one is above the law, and no one should think that it is within their rights to undermine the progress of all Rwandans," Kagame said, in a firm tone. "Rule of law is the foundation for sustainable development."

Kagame made the warning remarks shortly before he officially launched the 2014/2015 judicial year at the Parliamentary building in Rwanda's capital Kigali.

His comments are indicative of a recent Global Competitiveness report released by the World Economic Forum ranking Rwanda 34^th out of 144 Countries surveyed globally for maintaining 'Judicial independence."

The report also ranked the Country 3^rd in Africa and first in East Africa.

Rwanda's Chief Justice, Prof. Sam Rugege says the good performance is underpinned on an efficient legal structure that promotes corrective than punitive approaches.

The report says 74% of Rwandans appreciate performance of judicial sector in handling court cases.

Prof. Rugege says there are good working conditions in the judicial sector, application technology and improved service delivery. A Rwandan judge handles 27 cases in a month today, up from 2 cases handled in 2004 and takes the Supreme Court 4 months to handle a case. It took years by 2004. 

Rene Anthere Rwanyange, a Kigali-based Human Rights activist says Kagame emphasized that Justice is everyone's responsibility. "No one should witness someone committing a crime and let that person go unnoticed," he said.

"We should build on this progress," says Kagame.

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