By OC ISHIMWE Claude.
Justice is often associated with law enforcement and court proceedings. At the National Police College (NPC), however, future police officers are learning that it can also begin with a conversation.
Through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Club, students are broadening their understanding of justice and developing skills to become mediators and peacebuilders capable of resolving conflicts before they escalate.
The Ministry of Justice launched ADR Clubs in universities and schools across the country on 31 March 2025 to strengthen Rwanda’s culture of peaceful dispute resolution. NPC was among the higher learning institutions that embraced the initiative.
At the College, the ADR Club promotes peaceful settlement of disputes through mediation, negotiation, conciliation and arbitration. It complements conventional law enforcement and court processes by helping participants understand how dialogue can resolve disagreements, preserve relationships and contribute to lasting peace.
Officer Cadet NKUNDIMFURA Pascal, a Level III Law Student and ADR Club participant
For Officer Cadet Pascal Nkundimfura, a Level III Law student, the experience has changed how he approaches conflict. “The Club taught me that dialogue and active listening can often achieve lasting solutions where confrontation fails. I will carry this lesson into my future policing career.”
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The Club brings together police officers from different academic and professional programmes at the College. Through mediation simulations, discussions and awareness activities, participants develop practical skills in negotiation, restorative justice and conflict management.
Since its establishment, the Club has trained more than 800 participants, including undergraduate students, officers attending the Basic Criminal Investigation Course, participants in the Police Junior Command and Staff Course, and College staff. These engagements are making peaceful conflict resolution part of professional development at NPC.
Police officers attending a discussion on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a conflict resolution mechanism
Growing as Future Peacebuilders
The Club hosts discussions on subjects such as Enhancing Access to Justice through Alternative Dispute Resolution and Alternative Dispute Resolution from the Perspective of Community Policing.
It also collaborates with ADR Clubs at the University of Kigali–Musanze Campus and INES Ruhengeri, allowing members to exchange experiences and strengthen their practical knowledge.
One memorable engagement was the visit of Chief Justice Emeritus Prof. Sam Rugege, who reminded members that mediation has long been part of Rwanda’s culture and remains an effective way of resolving disputes while preserving relationships.
Preparing Officers for Community Partnership
CIP Viateur Niyonizera, Mentor of the NPC ADR Club, says the initiative equips future officers with mediation and negotiation skills that support Rwanda’s vision of justice, social cohesion and partnership between the police and communities.
Chief Inspector of Police Viateur NIYONIZERA, NPC ADR Club Mentor
“ADR is helping future officers develop a mindset of listening before responding. It teaches them to understand different perspectives and approach disputes with fairness and professionalism. These qualities are essential for officers who want to earn and maintain public trust,” said the mentor.
Officer Cadet Shania Mutesi, a Level IV ICT student, says the Club has helped her see police officers as “peacebuilders capable of resolving conflicts before they escalate.”
Officer Cadet MUTESI Shania, a Level IV ICT student and participant of ADR Club
Her reflection points to the evolving role of modern police officers. Effective policing requires knowledge of the law, but it also demands empathy, communication and the ability to build public trust.
A Stronger Foundation for Peace
The experiences of participating officers demonstrate that justice is not dispensed only in police stations and courtrooms. It can also be achieved when people speak openly, listen to one another and find common ground.
By combining legal knowledge with mediation and conflict-management skills, the Club is shaping modern law enforcers who understand that lasting security is built through law enforcement, dialogue, trust and mutual understanding.
Officer Cadet Ishimwe Claude is a Level IV Law student at the National Police College. He served as President of the College’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Club in 2025.