The conference, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of EALS, brought together legal professionals from across the East African Community (EAC) to reflect on three decades of regional cooperation, professional growth, and the advancement of the rule of law.
Nkundabarashi led the Rwandan delegation to the four-day gathering, where discussions centred on legal practice, governance reforms, and the evolving responsibilities of lawyers in strengthening justice systems in the region.
While in Addis Ababa, the delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Embassy of Rwanda to brief officials on the conference outcomes and reinforce collaboration with Rwanda's mission in Ethiopia.
The highlight of the forum for the Rwandan delegation was the recognition of Nkundabarashi's continental leadership. Nkundabarashi received a special award recognising his outstanding leadership in promoting and elevating the legal profession in Rwanda, the East African region, and across the continent. His contribution as Vice President of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) has positioned him as a leading voice in advocating for professional development, ethical standards, and continental legal cooperation.
In addition to receiving the award, Nkundabarashi took part in a high-level panel discussion on women's leadership in the legal field. He showcased Rwanda's progress in promoting gender equality, noting that the number of female advocates in the Rwanda Bar Association has grown from just seven in 1997 to 660 today.
He emphasised that gender equality is a fundamental right and highlighted the Bar's commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.
'We want to build a Bar that leaves no one behind. Gender equality is not a favour but a right,' he stressed.
The conference concluded with an interactive gala dinner, during which the Rwandan delegation shared elements of Rwanda's cultural heritage through traditional dress, music, and dance. The showcase added a cultural dimension to Rwanda's presence, reinforcing regional unity and appreciation of diversity.
The 30th anniversary of EALS highlighted the critical role of legal professionals in strengthening justice across East Africa. Rwanda's participation, including leadership recognition and policy engagement, reflected its influence in shaping the region's legal landscape.
IGIHE
