The Mediation Committee is an organ responsible for providing mediation services as a prerequisite for parties to bring an action before competent courts in matters provided for in provided for in competence of mediation committee.

Mediation Committees (Abunzi) were reintroduced in 2004. They exist at cell and sector level (appeal) in every District and its members are elected by the members of their community. Abunzi were persons known within their communities for personal integrity and were asked to intervene in the event of conflict.

Mediators shall serve on a volunteer and non-remunerated basis.

The Mediation Committee at the Cell and Sector level comprises seven (7) residents of the Cell and the Sector respectively, who are persons of integrity and well -known for their mediation skills. Members of the Mediation Committee shall be elected by the Cell and Sector’s Council respectively, from among non -members of staff of local administrative entities or judicial organs. They shall be elected for a renewable term of office of five (5) years.

At least thirty percent (30%) of members of the Mediation Committee must be females.”

For more information about Abunzi, read Law Nº 020/2020 of 19/11/2020
amending Law No 37/2016 of 08/09/2016 determining Organisation, Juridiction, Competence and Functioning of an Abunzi committee.