Gerald Gahima
Former Deputy Chief Justice to the Rwanda Supreme Court
The Center for Applied Innovation
A distinguished lawyer and scholar in the international human rights law, international humanitarian law, criminal law and procedure, and business and finance law with extensive senior level policy and management experience in private legal practice, government and international development. Served in senior public service positions in Rwanda including as Deputy Minister of Justice, Attorney General and Deputy Chief Justice, at a critical time in Rwanda’s post-conflict development.
Gerald Gahima’s time of service in the Rwandan government coincided with the process of reconstruction that followed the 1994 genocide. As a leading figure in Rwanda’s government, he led the process of rebuilding Rwanda’s civil service and the subsequent development and reconstruction of Rwanda’s justice system. He was instrumental in the formulation and implementation of policies on the promotion of the rule of law, and on the establishment of accountability processes for the genocide and other grave violations of human rights. As the chief law enforcement officer for the Republic of Rwanda from 1999-2003, Gerald Gahima has had the unique experience of having organized and overseen the largest number of prosecutions of genocide in human history. He has extensive experience in collaborating and working with UN bodies and donor agencies, at international and national levels, both during and following the genocide in Rwanda. He continues his work in support of the rule of law in the private sector.