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Rwanda

Republic of Rwanda

Mixed (civil law transitioning toward common law)Unitary presidential republicReviewed· 2026-08-03
Capital
Kigali
Population
14,100,000
Languages
Kinyarwanda, English
Currency
RWF

Rwanda · Government

Government and administration in Rwanda

How the executive, legislature and administrative state are organised, and which body is responsible for what.

The three branches

Executive — President and Prime Minister
Five-year term under the 2015 revision, with transitional arrangements.
Legislative — Chamber of Deputies and Senate
80 deputies with a 30% minimum for women; 26 senators.
Judicial — Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court
Superior Council of the Judiciary governs the career.
Local — Districts and sectors
Performance contracts (imihigo) drive local administration.

How legislation is made

Bills are examined in committee and plenary in both chambers, with organic laws requiring three-fifths majorities. The President promulgates and may request a second reading; the Supreme Court may review constitutionality.

Enforcement institutions

Rwanda National Police
National policing under the Ministry of Justice framework.
National Public Prosecution Authority
Directs criminal prosecutions.
Office of the Ombudsman
Anti-corruption and maladministration jurisdiction, including asset declarations.

Government bodies and regulators

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