Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice has concluded a four -day 2024 International conference on Thursday, 16 May 2024, with the adoption of a general report detailing recommendations on the conference.
The conference, which commenced on Monday May 13, 2024 at the Freetown International Conference Centre on Aberdeen in Freetown, featured panel discussions and high-quality presentations from distinguished resource persons. These sessions are expected to shape the future trajectory of the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
Esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Justices, Ministers, Judges, legal experts and representatives from ECOWAS member states, gathered for the event
The conference is often held every year in a selected member state on a yearly basis to discuss selected themes and human rights issues in the West African region.\
This year’s discussion was focused on the significance of enhancing the role, relevance and effectiveness of the Community Court through the strengthening of synergies between the Court and National Stakeholders.
The President of the ECOWAStates Community Court of Justice, Honourable Justice Edward Amoako Asante at the official opening it’s four day international conference, said the Court relies on the national courts for the enforcement of its judgments and is not in competition with national courts. He stated that “the Court is not an appellate Court over national courts of Member States and that the Court does not review in abstracto, the national laws of Member States. We are therefore not in competition with the national courts.”
He said the ECOWAS Court is the primary legal organ of the Community and one of the main institutions of ECOWAS with a mandate to ensure the adherence to law and justice in the interpretation and application of the Treaties, Protocols and Conventions of the Institution and settling such disputes as may be referred to it in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty or between Member States.
He extended his profound appreciation to H.E President Julius Maada Bio, the government and people of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Acting Chief Justices and Judges of the Member States, members of the joint technical committee for the warm hospitality and the collaboration for hosting the conference.
Statements were made by several personalities. Speaking on behalf of the First Deputy Speaker, the Fourth Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Billay Tunkara said the Court represents not only the “minds and hearts of judges, lawyers and other members of the legal profession, but also those of all ECOWAS citizens.”
He said the ECOWAS court remains the beacon of hope for those who feel they have been deprived of justice at national level and a firm protector of democracy.
The Speaker added that “it’s a symbol of our shared West African identity and common heritage, as nothing unities West Africans more than the feeling that we all belong to a community of values where fundamental rights should be upheld.”
Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley said the gathering signifies the Community’s collective dedication to advancing justice, nurturing cooperation and upholding the rule of law. He went on to state that the Court is mandated to adjudicate disputes arising from the interpretation and application of the ECOWAS Treaties, Protocols and Conventions which he referred to as the “protector of rights and freedoms of citizens, a guardian of regional integration and a catalysts of economic development” of member states.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Timothy Kabba said that with the West African region currently faced with terrorism, unconstitutional takeovers of governments, discrimination and inequality among others, justice remains the only natural therapy to the survival of the region’s peace, survival and stability.
