The Statutory Meeting of the ECOWAS Judicial Council has commenced in Freetown, Sierra Leone, with a focus on strengthening justice systems, promoting human rights, and reinforcing the rule of law across the West African region.
The meeting, organised by the Directorate of Legal Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission, brings together key judicial stakeholders to deliberate on enhancing legal frameworks and regional cooperation.
Declaring the meeting open, the Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Jalloh, emphasised that “judicial credibility remains the key foundation for ensuring peace, democratic governance, and regional economic prosperity”.
In his keynote speech, the Chief Justice of the Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, Justice Komba Kamanda, noted that “the meeting offers a platform to assess progress, share experiences, and strengthen cooperation within the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.”
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The representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, the Commissioner for Internal Services at the Commission, Dr. Habibu Bappah highlighted the pivotal role of the Council in consolidating the credibility and independence of the Community Court.
The ECOWAS Judicial Council is the highest judicial organ of ECOWAS. It comprises Chief Justices, 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 general administration of its judges.