The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, is set to convene its 2026 International Conference in Dakar, Senegal, from September 21 to 25, 2026. The event will bring together senior judicial and government officials of ECOWAS Member States, Heads of ECOWAS Institutions, and other key stakeholders. The conference aims to promote knowledge-sharing, partnerships, and practical solutions for strengthening regional justice delivery.
The conference will be held under the theme: “ECOWAS Court of Justice at the Crossroads: Justice, Innovation, Human Rights Protection and the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa.” This theme reflects the critical moment for the Court and the broader regional integration process. The conference will provide a platform for deep reflection, dialogue, and collective action on how regional justice can respond effectively to emerging challenges.
The conference will feature seven thematic sessions that will examine key issues, including human rights jurisprudence, enforcement and compliance, artificial intelligence and data protection, arbitration and ADR, the proposed appellate chamber, environmental justice, and refugee protection and forced displacement. These sessions aim to strengthen human rights protection, enhance enforcement of Court decisions, and advance digital innovation.
The conference will also focus on addressing emerging environmental and displacement challenges and exploring new pathways for regional commercial dispute resolution. Through plenary sessions, expert panel discussions, roundtables, and an exhibition, the Conference will promote knowledge-sharing, partnerships, and practical solutions for strengthening regional justice delivery.
The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, expects the conference to produce actionable recommendations and an Outcome Document setting out strategic priorities for the future of the Court and regional integration in West Africa. The conference is a critical step towards building a more effective, accessible, innovative, and human rights-centered regional justice system.
The event is expected to attract distinguished participants, including senior judicial and government officials, Heads of ECOWAS Institutions, and other key stakeholders. The conference will provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage in dialogue and collective action on the future of regional justice in West Africa.
According to a statement issued in Accra, the conference comes at a critical moment for the Court and the broader regional integration process. The statement emphasized that the conference will provide a platform for deep reflection, dialogue, and collective action on how regional justice can respond effectively to emerging challenges while strengthening human rights protection and embracing innovation.
Key points
- The ECOWAS Court of Justice will hold its 2026 International Conference in Dakar, Senegal, from September 21 to 25, 2026.
- The conference will focus on strengthening human rights protection, enhancing enforcement of Court decisions, and advancing digital innovation.
- The conference aims to produce actionable recommendations and an Outcome Document setting out strategic priorities for the future of the Court and regional integration in West Africa.
