The Centre for Community Law (CFComLaw) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing knowledge of ECOWAS law and oceanic law across West Africa. Through research, public education, policy engagement, and its peer-reviewed academic journal, CFComLaw works to ensure that ECOWAS frameworks become a living reality for the citizens, institutions, and coastal communities they are designed to serve. CFComLaw holds observer status with the International Seabed Authority under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
CFComLaw is a research-driven organisation. Our publications — from peer-reviewed journal articles to policy analysis blog posts — form the intellectual foundation of our advocacy, education, and engagement work.
The Journal of Community and International Law (JCIL)
Full title
Journal of Community and International Law (JCIL)
Scope
ECOWAS law, AU law, international law, oceanic law, regional integration
Peer review
Double-blind review by two field experts
Access
Open access — all articles freely available
Submissions
Long articles, short articles, and case notes accepted
Research Blog — One of West Africa's Most Active ECOWAS Law Platforms
The blog covers developments in ECOWAS community law, governance, oceanic law, human rights, and regional politics — with analysis written by CFComLaw’s own experts and a distinguished community of contributing scholars and practitioners.
The ECOWAS jurisprudence on human rights and freedom of expression (Twitter Ban case, 2022)
The resurgence of military coups in the ECOWAS region (Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, 2021–2023)
Nigeria’s extended continental shelf award and its significance for the country’s maritime estate (2023)
The implications of the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS (2024–2025)
The 50th anniversary of ECOWAS and the state of regional integration (2025)
The work of the International Seabed Authority and its relevance to ECOWAS states
Submissions
Submit to the Journal
The Journal of Community and International Law invites submissions on an ongoing basis. We particularly welcome submissions from:
Legal Practitioners & Academics
Legal practitioners and academics in ECOWAS member states with expertise in regional law.
Ocean Law Specialists
Researchers specialising in oceanic law, UNCLOS, and the law of the sea.
African Union & International Law Scholars
Scholars working on AU law, international human rights law, and regional integration.
International Court Practitioners
Practitioners with experience before the ECOWAS Court, ITLOS, or the ICJ.