ECOWAS Judicial Council Meeting Creates Opportunity for Member States To Showcase Progress …Chief Justice Komba Kamanda Says

Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, yesterday declared open the statutory meeting of the ECOWAS Judicial Council in Freetown.
In his keynote address, Vice President Jalloh reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to upholding judicial independence, noting that no society can achieve stability or prosperity without the rule of law.
“Our region,” he said, “must continue to defend and uphold the rule of law, good governance, and security, which are the strengths of economic prosperity.”
“Judicial cooperation is not optional; it is essential to addressing the complex and transnational challenges we face today,” the Vice President stated, adding that a coordinated judicial system would enhance governance, build public confidence, and support sustainable development.
The two-day high-level engagement, taking place at the Atlantic Hotel from April 23 to 24, marks the first time Sierra Leone is hosting the Council—an achievement widely regarded as a milestone in the country’s judicial and diplomatic participation within the ECOWAS framework.
In his statement, Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice and Chairman of the Council, Justice Komba Kamanda, welcomed delegates and emphasized the Council’s critical role in promoting judicial independence, human rights, and the rule of law across member states. He described the body as the highest judicial organ of ECOWAS, comprising Chief Justices from across the region.
Justice Kamanda noted that the Council performs regulatory, disciplinary, and advisory functions, including ensuring merit-based selection and appointment of judges to the regional court. He disclosed that five current judges are due to be replaced following the expiration of their tenure.
He further stated that the meeting provides an opportunity for member states to showcase progress, share experiences, and learn from one another in addressing common judicial challenges.
Delivering the welcome address, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, said Sierra Leone is honoured and humbled to host the gathering.
He highlighted key legal reforms undertaken by the government, including the abolition of the death penalty, repeal of criminal libel laws, criminalisation of child marriage, and the enactment of progressive criminal procedure legislation.
“These reforms, according to Sesay, reflect our commitment to global norms and our determination to move from justice for a few to justice for all,” he said, stressing that the judiciary remains the last line of defence for the common man.
He also called for the adoption of technology to improve efficiency and accessibility in justice delivery across the region.
Speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, Commissioner for Internal Services, Habibu Yaya Bappah, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enhancing access to justice. He noted that the regional court has expanded its jurisdiction to include individuals and corporate bodies.
He, however, acknowledged ongoing challenges such as limited resources, case backlogs, and low public awareness of the court’s mandate. Additionally, judges have recently been recruited to strengthen the court’s capacity and improve service delivery.
“We remain resolute in supporting the work of the Judicial Council and ensuring the effective functioning of the Community Court,” he said.
Also addressing the gathering, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, Musa Timothy Kabba, underscored the importance of the regional court as a pillar of integration, peace, and accountability.
“The court stands today as a principal organ that binds member states together. Its decisions must be respected, domesticated, and implemented to ensure justice and stability across the region,” Kabba said. He called for stronger judicial cooperation, increased investment in capacity building, and innovative approaches to justice delivery.
The meeting also featured interviews for 14 judicial candidates from countries including Nigeria, Liberia, Togo, and The Gambia, who are expected to fill five vacancies on the regional bench as outgoing judges complete their tenure this year.
Participants described the session as a vital platform for peer learning, dialogue, and the exchange of best practices, particularly at a time when West Africa faces increasing democratic and security challenges, especially in the Sahel region.
The ECOWAS Judicial Council brings together Chief Justices, senior judges, and legal experts from across West Africa to deliberate on strengthening judicial systems and advancing the rule of law in the sub-region.