The ECOWAS Court of Justice has marked its 25th anniversary, with the Court's President, Justice Recardo Gonçalves, calling for reforms to strengthen the institution's effectiveness and improve justice delivery. Gonçalves made the call during the 2026 Annual International Conference of the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Dakar, Senegal. He stated that the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the Court's progress over the past quarter century and chart a bold vision for the future. The Court has evolved into an important regional judicial institution through successive reforms.
The ECOWAS Court has contributed to the protection of human rights, promotion of legal certainty, strengthening of democratic governance, and advancement of regional integration through its jurisprudence over the years. Gonçalves noted that the Court was at an important crossroads, requiring it to adapt to changing realities in governance, technology, human rights, regional mobility, and economic transformation. The Court's president identified the need for continual adaptation and innovation to address these changing realities.
The ECOWAS Court has embarked on an institutional transformation process aimed at enhancing its effectiveness, accessibility, and responsiveness. Gonçalves identified the approval of the Complementary Act on the ECOWAS Court of Justice in December 2025 as a significant milestone. The Act harmonized the 1991 and 2005 protocols governing the Court and strengthened its legal framework. The Court also adopted Arbitration Rules in December 2025, opening new opportunities for the peaceful and efficient settlement of disputes.
Gonçalves disclosed that consultations were ongoing among Community stakeholders on the establishment of an Appeal Division of the Court. The proposed reform would further strengthen judicial guarantees, improve the administration of justice, and enhance confidence in the Court's procedures and decisions. The Court president also identified the full and timely enforcement of court judgments as one of the critical challenges confronting regional justice.
The ECOWAS Court's president urged participants at the conference to develop practical proposals for strengthening the Court. He stated that the future of regional justice would depend not only on institutions but also on the quality of collective reflection, partnerships, and willingness to translate ideas into practical reforms. Gonçalves emphasized the need for collective action to shape the future of regional justice and strengthen the judicial foundations upon which regional integration must rest.
The Commission's President, Gen. Birame Diop, noted that the gap between the authority of the Court's decisions and their execution remained a major test of the credibility of the regional legal order. He stated that the Commission would continue to engage member states to designate competent national authorities for enforcement and keep compliance on the agenda of statutory meetings. The Commission would also consider practical monitoring mechanisms that may emerge from the conference.
The ECOWAS Court's 25th anniversary celebration provided a platform for stakeholders to assess the Court's progress and chart a bold vision for the future. The Court's president and other stakeholders emphasized the need for collective action to strengthen the Court and improve justice delivery in the region. The conference would examine critical issues, including the enforcement of court judgments, human rights protection, innovation, good governance, and regional integration.
Key points
- The ECOWAS Court has embarked on an institutional transformation process to enhance its effectiveness, accessibility, and responsiveness.
- The Court's president, Justice Recardo Gonçalves, called for reforms to strengthen the institution's effectiveness and improve justice delivery.
- The Commission's President, Gen. Birame Diop, emphasized the need for member states to designate competent national authorities for enforcement of court decisions.
