The Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council and first President of the Supreme Court of Senegal, Justice Mouhamadou Mansour Mbaye, has urged the newly appointed Judges of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice to prioritize independence, impartiality, integrity, and courage in their duties. He made this call during the installation ceremony of the new judges at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria. Justice Mbaye emphasized that their appointment is both an honor and a significant responsibility to serve the law and people of the Community.
According to Justice Mbaye, the ECOWAS integration agenda relies heavily on a common legal order built around uniformly interpreted and applied rules across Member States. The Community Court plays a crucial role in regional integration by interpreting Community law, resolving disputes within its jurisdiction, and strengthening the protection of fundamental rights. He highlighted the importance of the Court in promoting cohesion and building confidence among Member States and their citizens.
Justice Mbaye stressed that judicial independence is not a privilege for magistrates but a fundamental guarantee owed to litigants. He urged the new judges to ensure that their independence remains constant, their impartiality unquestionable, and their integrity beyond reproach. The ECOWAS Judicial Council Chairman noted that the region is undergoing profound transformation, and the law remains an essential instrument for promoting cohesion, protecting rights, and building confidence.
The Chairman cautioned that "justice that is not enforced remains incomplete justice," calling on ECOWAS Member States, institutions, and stakeholders to ensure respect for decisions of the Community Court of Justice. He advocated for stronger and sustained judicial dialogue between the ECOWAS Court and national courts, saying differences in legal traditions should be seen as a source of enrichment rather than obstacles to regional integration.
Justice Mbaye urged the Court to strengthen cooperation and synergies with national, regional, and international judicial institutions, describing such collaboration as essential to consolidating its institutional position and effectiveness within the Community. He congratulated the new judges, charging them to become "builders of the Community law of tomorrow" by upholding legal rigour, freedom of conscience, moderation, humility, and courage.
The new judges were installed at a ceremony held at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria. Justice Mbaye's address emphasized the significance of their role in contributing to the development of a sound and coherent body of ECOWAS jurisprudence. He encouraged them to work towards promoting regional integration and upholding the rule of law.
The installation of the new judges is a significant development in the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice. The Court plays a vital role in promoting regional integration, and the new judges are expected to contribute to its effectiveness. The ceremony was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from ECOWAS Member States and judicial institutions.
Key points
- Justice Mbaye charges new judges to uphold independence, impartiality, integrity, and courage.
- The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice plays a crucial role in regional integration.
- Justice Mbaye advocates for stronger judicial dialogue between the ECOWAS Court and national courts.
