ECOWAS JUDICIAL COUNCIL REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHENING JUSTICE, RULE OF LAW AND PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY IN WEST AFRICA

The ECOWAS Judicial Council has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening justice, the rule of law, and the promotion of human rights and constitutional democracy across West Africa.  The Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council and Honourable Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Justice Komba KAMANDA, stated this during the opening of the ECOWAS Judicial Council Meeting held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Organised by the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Legal Affairs, the meeting, held from 23 to 24 April 2024, focused on advancing justice, human rights, and the rule of law within the West African region. Justice Kamanda noted that the meeting provided an important platform for the Council to assess its progress and challenges, share experiences, and strengthen collaboration among members.

“In a region confronted with evolving legal challenges including transnational crime, human trafficking, arbitration and mediation, constitutional governance, and human rights, our role has never been more critical. This meeting is particularly significant as it not only addressed procedural reforms aimed at enhancing the relevance of the Community Court of Justice, but also successfully conducted interviews for fourteen judicial candidates from Nigeria, Liberia, Togo, Benin, and The Gambia. Five successful candidates will be appointed to replace outgoing judges whose tenure expires this year. This reflects our shared commitment to strengthening justice, human rights, and the rule of law in the region.” Justice Komba KAMANDA noted.

Declaring the meeting open, the Vice President of Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh JALLOH, emphasised that judicial credibility remains a cornerstone for peace, democratic governance, and regional economic prosperity.

“Our region must continue to uphold the rule of law, strengthen institutions, and ensure judicial credibility as the foundation of peace, democratic governance, and economic growth. We are particularly honoured to host this distinguished Council for the first time. This reflects Sierra Leone’s growing role within the regional architecture and our collective commitment to advancing justice and judicial cooperation across West Africa,” Vice President JALLOH stated.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, the Commissioner for Internal Services, Dr. Habibu Yaya BAPPAH, highlighted the critical role of the Judicial Council in reinforcing the credibility and independence of the Community Court of Justice. He expressed appreciation for the Council’s steadfast commitment to strengthening the judicial arm of the Community.

“The continued guidance and oversight of the ECOWAS Judicial Council have been instrumental in shaping the Community Court of Justice into a respected institution within the regional and international legal landscape,” he said. “I am pleased to note the successful conclusion of the recruitment process for a new team of judges of the Court for the 2026–2030 term. This milestone underscores our collective commitment to strengthening the Court’s capacity to effectively discharge its growing responsibilities.” H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY said.

In his welcome remarks, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mr. Alpha SESAY, stressed the importance of aligning domestic judicial processes of Member States with ECOWAS regional obligations, while safeguarding judicial independence to ensure that courts remain symbols of impartiality and justice.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, H.E. Musa Timothy KABBA, underscored the need to deepen cross-border judicial cooperation through enhanced information sharing, mutual legal assistance, and harmonisation of legal procedures.

The ECOWAS Judicial Council is the highest judicial organ of ECOWAS. It comprises Chief Justices or Presidents of Supreme Courts of Member States or their representatives. The Council is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning, independence, and integrity of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, including matters relating to the appointment, discipline, and administration of its judges.