Civil Procedure Code at Rwanda
In Rwanda, civil procedure is governed by the Law Relating to the Civil, Commercial, Labour, and Administrative Procedure (CPCCSA), enacted as Law No. 22/2018 on April 29, 2018. This comprehensive legislation consolidates and updates the procedural rules for civil, commercial, labor, and administrative matters. (Law relating to the Civil, Commercial, Labour and Administrative Procedure - RwandaLII)
📘 Overview of the CPCCSA
The CPCCSA outlines the procedures for handling civil disputes in Rwanda, including:
Jurisdiction and Competence: Defines the authority of various courts over different types of cases.
Commencement of Proceedings: Specifies how legal actions are initiated, including the filing of claims and summons.
Pleadings and Evidence: Details the requirements for submitting pleadings and presenting evidence in court.
Judgments and Appeals: Covers the rendering of judgments and the processes for appealing decisions.
Execution of Judgments: Describes how court decisions are enforced. (LAW RELATING TO THE CIVIL, COMMERCIAL, LABOUR and ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE – Kigali Attorneys)
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Encourages the use of mediation and conciliation before resorting to litigation.
The CPCCSA aims to ensure a fair, efficient, and accessible justice system in Rwanda.
⚖️ Enforcement of Foreign Judgments
Under Article 250 of the CPCCSA, foreign judgments are not automatically enforceable in Rwanda unless: (Rwanda | Addleshaw Goddard LLP)
The judgment is rendered enforceable by a competent Rwandan court. (Rwanda | Addleshaw Goddard LLP)
The judgment does not contradict Rwandan public order and legal principles. (Rwanda | Addleshaw Goddard LLP)
The case was finally heard and determined in accordance with the laws of the country where the judgment was rendered. (Rwanda | Addleshaw Goddard LLP)
The copy of the judgment is authentic according to the laws of the country where it was issued. (Rwanda | Addleshaw Goddard LLP)
The right of defense was respected during the proceedings. (Rwanda | Addleshaw Goddard LLP)
Applications for the enforcement of foreign judgments are heard by the Commercial High Court, which reviews these criteria before granting enforcement. (Rwanda | Addleshaw Goddard LLP)
📚 Accessing the CPCCSA
The full text of the CPCCSA is available in English and Kinyarwanda. You can download the English version from the Rwanda Legal Information Institute (RwandaLII) website: (Law relating to the Civil, Commercial, Labour and Administrative Procedure - RwandaLII)
👉 Law Relating to the Civil, Commercial, Labour, and Administrative Procedure – RwandaLII
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