KIGALI, April 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Rwanda will restructure its traditional justice system, Gacaca courts, by confining the courts at the sector level and slashing the numbers of judges per court from 19 to nine to ensure efficiency.

    The changes were brought to light Tuesday in a consultative meeting held in Kigali between top officials of the National Directorate of Gacaca Jurisdiction, the donors and various stakeholders.

    The Gacaca justice system was introduced in Rwanda in 2001 to ease pressure on the criminal justice system in relation to the 1994 genocide where over 100,000 suspects are now waiting for justice in Rwanda's detention facilities and more others still at large.

    Top Gacaca officials said the changes will take effect after a related bill has been enacted.

    Mukantaganzwa Domitilla, executive secretary of the National Directorate of Gacaca Jurisdiction, said due to many obstacles met during the preparatory phases, it was found necessary and urgent to restructure the Gacaca court system, phasing out both the provincial and district courts to ensure uninterrupted trials.

    Among the problems identified was the fact that some Gacaca judges and local leaders who committed genocide crimes are bent on sabotaging the process, using the positions.

    "It was observed that the witnesses, especially the genocide victims, have been intimidated either by some judges or local leaders to shield their relatives believed to have committed genocide related crimes," she said.

    Donors pledged total support to the reconciliatory justice but warned that throughout preparations be done to cater for the rights of all parties, especially the security of witnesses, further training of the judges, and distribution of enough trauma counselors. Enditem