On October 6, 2026, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in his capacity as the Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Heads of State and Government, administered the oath of office to new judges of the ECOWAS Court of Justice. The ceremony took place at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria's federal capital. According to a communiqué from the Court, the new judges were appointed for a non-renewable four-year term by the ECOWAS Council of Heads of State and Government during its 69th ordinary session in Lungi, Sierra Leone, on July 19, 2026.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice comprises five independent judges selected from among high moral character individuals who are nationals of member states and possess the required qualifications for appointment to a supreme court or equivalent jurisdiction. The judges may also be seasoned jurists with recognized expertise in international law, particularly in community law or regional integration law. To be eligible, candidates must have at least 20 years of professional experience. The new judges who took the oath of office 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.
According to the ECOWAS Court of Justice, the judges are required to take an oath or make a solemn declaration before the Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Heads of State and Government before assuming office. This requirement is stipulated in Article 5 of the Additional Act relating to the ECOWAS Court of Justice. The Court plays a crucial role in promoting regional integration and upholding the rule of law in West Africa.
The appointment of the new judges is expected to strengthen the ECOWAS Court of Justice and enhance its capacity to handle cases related to regional integration, trade, and human rights. The Court has jurisdiction to hear cases involving ECOWAS member states, as well as individuals and organizations. Its decisions are binding on member states and have significant implications for regional policy and law.
President Diomaye Faye's administration of the oath of office to the new judges underscores Senegal's commitment to promoting regional integration and upholding the rule of law in West Africa. As Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Heads of State and Government, President Faye has emphasized the importance of strengthening regional institutions and promoting cooperation among member states.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice has made significant contributions to regional integration and the promotion of human rights in West Africa. Its decisions have helped to clarify the rights and obligations of member states and have promoted the development of regional law. The Court's work is critical to ensuring that ECOWAS member states adhere to regional policies and laws.
The swearing-in ceremony of the new judges marks a significant milestone in the ECOWAS Court of Justice's efforts to enhance its capacity and effectiveness. The Court's work has significant implications for regional integration, trade, and human rights in West Africa. The new judges will play a crucial role in shaping the Court's jurisprudence and promoting regional cooperation.
Key points
- President Diomaye Faye administers oath to new ECOWAS Court judges in Abuja, Nigeria.
- New judges appointed for non-renewable four-year term by ECOWAS Council of Heads of State and Government.
- ECOWAS Court of Justice plays crucial role in promoting regional integration and upholding rule of law in West Africa.
