ECOWAS court marks 25 years, seeks reforms for stronger justice delivery

The Community Court of Justice of ECOWAS, marking its 25th anniversary, is calling for reforms to enhance its effectiveness and improve justice delivery across the regional bloc. Speaking at the 2026 Annual International Conference of the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Dakar, Senegal, President Justice Recardo Gonçalves emphasized that the anniversary is a crucial moment to reflect on the court's progress and envision its future.

The court has evolved significantly over the years, expanding its mandate to include human rights protection and enhancing its jurisprudence, contributing to greater legal certainty, democratic governance, and regional integration. However, Gonçalves stressed that the court stands at a pivotal juncture, requiring adaptive measures to address evolving governance, technology, human rights challenges, and economic transformations.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to harmonise protocols, adopt new arbitration rules, and establish an Appeal Division, aimed at bolstering judicial guarantees and public confidence. Gonçalves also underscored the critical challenge of ensuring timely enforcement of court judgments and urged participants to propose practical solutions for strengthening the court's institutional framework, accessibility, and responsiveness.

The conference aims to foster collective reflection and partnerships to translate ideas into actionable reforms, ensuring the court remains a cornerstone of regional judicial integration.