Promoting Dispute Resolution: Tanzania Advocates for Mediation

Tanzania’s Chief Justice, Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma, has emphasized the importance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, particularly mediation, to alleviate the burden on the judicial system.

Speaking during a meeting with Deputy Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Jumanne Sagini, at the Court of Appeal in Kivukoni, Dar Es Salaam, Prof. Juma highlighted the benefits of mediation in resolving disputes efficiently and amicably.

Prof. Juma pointed out that the Tanzanian Constitution underscores the promotion and development of reconciliation among disputing parties as a cornerstone of justice delivery. He stated, “Mediation can resolve conflicts in minutes, whereas court cases can drag on for over a decade. In some countries, more than 95% of disputes are settled through mediation. It fosters relationships rather than enmity. Our laws should mandate mediation before cases proceed to court.”

The Deputy Minister praised the judiciary for its substantial efforts in administering justice and its ongoing reforms, including the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance court operations. He commended the judiciary for its infrastructural development and its strides toward improving service delivery to the public.

The call for increased use of mediation aligns with international trends. At a recent international conference in Uganda, African judicial leaders, including Prof. Juma, discussed the benefits of traditional African dispute resolution methods.

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Ugandan Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo and Vice President Jessica Alupo highlighted how mediation and arbitration can deliver timely justice and reduce court backlogs. In the United States, for instance, 98% of disputes are resolved through alternative means, significantly reducing the number of cases that reach formal courts.

Prof. Juma’s advocacy for mediation is part of a broader strategy to ensure justice is accessible and delivered promptly. The Tanzanian judiciary continues to implement its Five-Year Strategic Plan, focusing on good governance, accountability, and enhancing public trust. The plan aims to improve judicial services by involving community members and stakeholders in the judicial process.

The Tanzanian judiciary’s push for mediation reflects a growing recognition of its potential to deliver efficient and harmonious resolutions to disputes. By reducing court congestion and fostering cooperative dispute resolution, the judiciary aims to uphold justice and strengthen societal bonds.