The President of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of five new judges to the ECOWAS Court of Justice on October 6, 2026, at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja. The new judges are Désiré Henri AIHOU from Benin, Awa BAH from Gambia, Charlyne M. BRUMSKINE from Liberia, Henrietta Uzoamaka DIDIGU from Nigeria, and Yaouza OURO-SAMA from Togo.
The new judges were appointed for a non-renewable four-year term by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government during their 69th ordinary session held in Lungi, Sierra Leone, on July 19, 2026. Their appointments were in accordance with the Supplementary Act SA. 1/12/25 of December 14, 2025, relating to the Community Court of Justice. The Act stipulates that the Court consists of five independent judges chosen among individuals of high moral character.
To be eligible for appointment, candidates must have qualifications required for appointment to high judicial offices or be experienced legal counsel with recognized competence in international law, particularly in community law or regional integration law. Candidates must also have at least 20 years of professional experience. The new judges replace outgoing judges Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves from Cape Verde, Sengu Mohamed Koroma from Sierra Leone, Dupe Atoki from Nigeria, Gberi-Bè Ouattara from Côte d'Ivoire, and Edward Amoako Asante from Ghana.
The outgoing judges' four-year term had expired. The new judges are required to take an oath or make a solemn declaration before the President of the Authority of Heads of State and Government before assuming their duties. The swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of their tenure, after which they will elect a President and Vice-President from among themselves for a two-year term.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice plays a crucial role in promoting regional integration and upholding the rule of law within the ECOWAS community. The Court has jurisdiction to hear cases involving violations of human rights, breaches of community law, and disputes between member states. The appointment of new judges is expected to strengthen the Court's capacity to deliver justice and promote stability in the region.
The new judges bring diverse expertise and experience to the Court, which will enable them to effectively address the complex legal challenges facing the ECOWAS community. Their induction is a significant step towards ensuring the continued effectiveness of the Court in promoting regional integration and protecting the rights of citizens.
The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting regional integration. The swearing-in of the new judges is a testament to the Authority's efforts to strengthen the institutional capacity of the ECOWAS community.
Key points
- The new judges were appointed for a non-renewable four-year term by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
- The judges were sworn in by the President of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal.
- The ECOWAS Court of Justice plays a crucial role in promoting regional integration and upholding the rule of law within the ECOWAS community.
