President Paul Kagame on December 12, swore in Domitilla Mukantaganzwa as the new President of the Supreme Court. Alphonse Hitiyaremye was sworn in as Vice President. Mukantaganzwa replaces Faustin Ntezilyayo, and Hitiyaremye takes over from Marie-Thérèse Mukamulisa.
During the ceremony, President Kagame condemned the recent killings of genocide survivors. He said, “We cannot go back to the dark past.” Kagame warned that such violence must stop. He added, “If justice fails, other actions will be taken.”
The killings have shocked the nation. In recent months, genocide survivors have been attacked and killed in their homes. Among the victims were Karekezi Vincent in Nyaruguru District and Mukakanyamibwa Béatrice in Karongi District. Kagame called the killings unacceptable. He said, “This must stop.”
Mukantaganzwa brings over 30 years of legal experience. She led the Gacaca Courts and the Rwanda Law Reform Commission. She promised to deliver justice without delay. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” she said.
Hitiyaremye, a former Deputy Prosecutor General, has also served as a Supreme Court judge. He pledged to support the justice system.
President Kagame expressed confidence in the new leadership. He said, “We are not useless, our laws are not useless.” He emphasized that the justice system must remain strong. He added, “Justice must exist, and it cannot become useless.”
The president called for unity and respect for the law. “Everyone is equal before the law,” he said. “We must all respect justice and the country’s laws.”
Mukantaganzwa and Hitiyaremye’s appointments come at a critical time. The country has made progress since the genocide. But the recent killings show that justice is still needed. Kagame’s message was clear: “We must continue moving forward with justice for all.”
