On December 3, 2024, President Paul Kagame appointed Domitilla Mukantaganzwa as the new Chief Justice of Rwanda, succeeding Dr. Faustin Nteziryayo, who had held the position since December 2019.

This decision was made in accordance with Article 154 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda.

In addition to Mukantaganzwa’s appointment, Alphonse Hitiyaremye has been named the Deputy Chief Justice, replacing Marie Thérèse Mukamulisa.

Profiles of the Appointees

Domitilla Mukantaganzwa-Chief Justice

Mukantaganzwa began her public service career in 1987 as the Assistant Burgomaster of Nyarugenge Commune. She later transitioned to the Ministry of Agriculture, where she served as a registration officer.

Following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, she became a senior official in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor before joining UNICEF. In her capacity at the National Commission for Legal and Constitutional Affairs, she contributed to drafting Rwanda’s 2003 Constitution.

In October 2003, she was appointed Chairperson of the National Commission for Gacaca Courts, tasked with adjudicating cases related to the 1994 Genocide. Her tenure lasted until 2012, when she presented the commission’s final report to the government.

Since December 4, 2019, Mukantaganzwa has been serving as the Chairperson of the Rwanda Law Reform Commission, succeeding Aimable Havugiyaremye.

She is also a member of the Unity Club Intwararumuri’s advisory committee, an organization founded by Rwanda’s First Lady, Jeannette Kagame.

Alphonse Hitiyaremye-Deputy Chief Justice

Alphonse Hitiyaremye, 57, holds a Master’s degree in International Law from the State University of Kiev in Ukraine, obtained in 1995.

His career has spanned various key roles, including: State Attorney, Private Secretary to the Minister and Director of the Human Rights Department in the Ministry of Justice, Prosecutor General of Rwanda, Deputy Prosecutor General, as well as Justice of the Supreme Court