On the 6^th of September 2026, a new college of Judges of the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was sworn in. The swearing-in of the newly appointed Judges marks an important moment for regional justice and the continued strengthening of the rule of law in West Africa.

The Centre for Community Law extends its warmest congratulations to the newly sworn-in Judges.

The elevation of the new Judges to the Bench is not merely a recognition of their careers, experience, knowledge, and integrity; it is also a call to service at a time when the credibility of regional institutions, access to justice, protection of rights, and the peaceful resolution of disputes remain fundamental to the future of our region. The weight of responsibility on the shoulders of the Judges therefore speaks for itself.

Building on a Strong Foundation

The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has, over the years, made significant strides in establishing itself as an important pillar of regional justice. Through its jurisprudence and engagement with questions concerning human rights, justice, accountability of ECOWAS Institutions, and the obligations of Member States, the Court has contributed meaningfully to the development of the West African legal order. It has been very successful creating uniting of jurisprudence, thus setting uniform standards for member States.

The progress made did not happen overnight. It represents the collective efforts of successive Judges, legal practitioners, administrators, scholars, civil society actors, member States, and many others who have invested in the vision of a stronger and more integrated West Africa.

As this admirable legacy passes on to the newly sworn-in Judges, the Centre for Community Law is hopeful, and admonishes them to, not just preserve the legacy by maintaining the progress that has been made, but to surpass it.

As we warmly welcome the new Judges, the Centre for Community Law stands ready to continue to support them in every possible way, including advocacy for better enforcement of the judgements of the court by member States and to constructively criticise the judgments and practice of the court, where merited, just as we have done over the years.

The Centre congratulates the Judges once again on this significant achievement and looks forward to a tenure marked by wisdom, courage, independence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

About the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice

The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice is the principal legal organ of the Community, the primary responsibility of the Court is to ensure respect for the law and to rule on the legality in the interpretation and application of the provisions of the Revised Treaty, related Protocols, Conventions, other texts of the Community and any applicable international human rights treaty. The Court has four clear distinct mandates as a community court, as an administrative court, as a human rights court and as an arbitration tribunal.