Strengthening governance in African economies

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame delivered a powerful speech at the 2024 Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association Summit, calling for greater efforts to protect the environment and ensure justice for environmental crimes in African economies. Environmental justice was the central theme of the summit, emphasizing the need for collaborative law enforcement and independent judiciary to tackle global challenges. Kagame highlighted the critical role of enacting and enforcing environmental laws and policies to secure a cleaner and more sustainable future for all. He underscored the urgency of addressing the disproportionate impact of global greenhouse gas emissions on Africa and small island developing states, urging countries worldwide to take proactive measures to combat climate change and safeguard the environment. Kagame reflected on Rwanda's journey of justice system reform post-genocide, emphasizing the pivotal role of the rule of law in promoting peace, security, and development. He cited the successful implementation of the ban on plastic bags in Rwanda as a transformative decision that not only improved cleanliness but also fostered resource management and reduced dependency on external sources. Additionally, Kagame stressed the importance of conserving national parks, which are vital habitats for endangered species and sources of livelihood for local communities. Wildlife crimes, often linked to transnational criminal networks, pose a significant threat to national security and biodiversity, necessitating close cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The President called for the engagement of independent and experienced judges in environmental protection efforts, emphasizing the role of the judiciary in delivering justice and upholding the rights of citizens. Kagame concluded his address by urging summit participants to address the challenges of judicial corruption and case backlogs, highlighting the critical importance of building trust in the justice system to ensure fairness, human rights protection, and peaceful resolution of disputes for a more just and harmonious world.