The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has sworn in five new judges to its Community Court of Justice, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal urging them to deliver impartial and credible judgments. The oath of office was administered at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja. Faye emphasized the importance of the Court in protecting citizens' rights and ensuring fairness in the application of community laws. The new judges will serve a four-year, non-renewable term.
The five new judges are Désiré Henri Aihou of Benin, Justice Awa Bah of The Gambia, Charlyne Brumskine of Liberia, Henrietta Uzoamaka Didigu of Nigeria, and Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama of Togo. They were appointed by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at its 69th Ordinary Session in Lungi, Sierra Leone, on July 19, 2026. Their appointment followed the December 2025 Supplementary Act SA.1/12/25 relating to the Community Court of Justice. The Act outlines the qualifications required for appointment to the Court.
President Faye charged the judges to discharge their responsibilities without fear, favour, or external influence. He emphasized that the credibility of the Court would be measured by the quality of its judgments and the confidence those decisions inspired among citizens. Faye urged the judges to allow the oath they had taken to guide them throughout their tenure, particularly when determining cases brought before the Court.
The ECOWAS Chairman highlighted the crucial role of the Court in protecting citizens' rights, ensuring fairness in the application of community laws, and restoring confidence in regional institutions. He noted that the region was grappling with political, economic, security, and environmental challenges. The Court's decisions, Faye said, would serve as a reminder of everyone's obligations and strengthen trust in regional institutions.
The new judges succeeded Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves of Cape Verde. According to Article 3 of the Supplementary Act, the Court is to comprise five independent judges selected from nationals of member states who possess high moral character and the qualifications required for appointment to a Supreme Court or equivalent judicial office. Candidates must also demonstrate recognised competence in international law.
Article 5 of the Act requires every judge to take an oath of office or make a solemn declaration before the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government before assuming judicial responsibilities. The judges were selected based on their professional experience, with at least 20 years of experience required for appointment. The ECOWAS Chairman urged the judges to build on the Court's achievements while contributing to efforts to modernise its operations.
The swearing-in ceremony marks a significant development in the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, as the region seeks to strengthen its commitment to the rule of law. The Court's effectiveness and accessibility will be crucial in restoring public trust in regional institutions. The new judges will play a vital role in shaping the future of regional justice in West Africa.
Key points
- The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has sworn in five new judges to serve a four-year, non-renewable term.
- President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal urged the judges to deliver impartial and credible judgments to strengthen public trust in regional justice.
- The new judges were appointed under the December 2025 Supplementary Act SA.1/12/25 relating to the Community Court of Justice.
