The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for the strict enforcement of its community court judgments by member states as a crucial measure to address various conflicts, including insecurity, within the sub-region.
During the statutory meeting of the ECOWAS Judicial Council in Abuja on Tuesday, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, emphasized the importance of enforcing the court’s judgments for effective delivery of its mandate to the community citizens.
Dr. Touray highlighted the role of national judicial institutions in enforcing the judgments, as outlined in the supplementary protocol relating to the Community Court. He stressed the need for deliberate actions by the regional bloc to address challenges associated with enforcement.
Amidst prevalent instability and insecurity in the region, Dr. Touray underscored the crucial role of the justice sector in conflict prevention through the promotion and defense of the rule of law and human rights.
Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council and Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Olukayode Ariwoola, emphasized the council’s role as a mediator and facilitator in resolving disputes and promoting dialogue among member states. He emphasized the contribution of this unique function to peace and stability in the sub-region.
Justice Ariwoola emphasized the importance of supporting and strengthening the judicial council to enable it to continue its vital role in the collective journey towards a more just, peaceful, and integrated West Africa.
The meeting aimed to review the legal framework of the ECOWAS Judicial Council and enhance its responsibilities for improvements. The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Nigeria, Lateef Fagnemi, stressed the importance of necessary reforms to align the Community Court of Justice with current exigencies and manage challenges associated with justice delivery.
Fagnemi emphasized the need for the court to adopt strategies that strengthen its jurisdiction while respecting jurisdictional boundaries and refraining from issuing orders and judgments practically incapable of enforcement.
The meeting brought together Chief Justices from eleven West African countries, including Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Togo, Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cape Verde, Benin Republic, Senegal, and Cote D’Ivoire, to deliberate on these critical issues.
