The Authority of Heads of State and Government has confirmed the recommendations of the Ninety-Sixth Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers relating to statutory appointments to positions within ECOWAS Community Institutions. This was contained in the Final Communique of the Sixty-Ninth (69th) Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held at Lungi, Republic of Sierra Leone, 19 July 2026.

The judges have been appointed to serve a four-year term, spanning 2026 to 2030.

These appointments reflect the Community’s continued commitment to strengthening the rule of law, regional integration, justice, and good governance across West Africa.

The newly appointed Judges of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice are:

• Hon. Awa Bah (The Gambia)
• Mrs. Charlyne M. Brumskine (Liberia)
• Mr. Désiré Henri Aihou (Benin)
• Mrs. Henrietta Uzoamaka Didigu (Nigeria)
• Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sama (Togo)

The Centre for Community Law hopes the newly appointed Judges would bring with them a wealth of legal expertise, professional integrity, and dedication to justice to bear in their new assignment. We trust that their diverse experiences and commitment to upholding the principles of the ECOWAS Treaty and the rule of law will play a vital role in advancing the Court’s mandate to interpret and apply Community law, protect human rights, and promote regional peace and stability.

The Centre urges them to use their best endeavours to contribute to the mandate of the court without fear or favour and reinforcing public confidence in its judgments, thereby consolidating the progress already made and further strengthening the legal foundations of regional integration.

The Centre remains committed to promoting knowledge, research, and awareness of ECOWAS Community law and the important work of the Court. We look forward to supporting initiatives that strengthen the Court’s mandate and deepen public understanding of its contribution to regional integration and justice.

The Centre congratulates the newly appointed Judges and wishes them every success as they embark on this important responsibility. May their tenure be marked by independence, fairness, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to the ideals and values of the ECOWAS Community.

Congratulations and best wishes for a successful and impactful tenure.

The Centre also expresses its sincere appreciation to the outgoing Judges of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice for their dedicated service and invaluable contributions during their tenure. Through their commitment to justice, the rule of law, and the advancement of Community jurisprudence, they have strengthened the Court’s role in promoting regional integration and protecting the rights of the people of the ECOWAS Community. We commend their professionalism, integrity, and distinguished service, and wish them continued success in their future endeavours.

About the Centre for Community Law

The Centre for Community is a not-for-profit organization established as an Incorporated Trustee (Charity) under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in January 2020.

The objectives of the plaintiff include “to promote the safeguards of ECOWAS laws and to enlighten citizens, officials and policy makers of the Nigerian state and ECOWAS on the rights and obligations created by ECOWAS laws; to use ECOWAS protocols as yardstick for evaluating government actions in relevant areas”.