The UEMOA Court of Justice is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a two-day colloquium in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The event, themed "The UEMOA Court of Justice from Yesterday to Today: 30 Years of Jurisprudence in Service of Regional Integration," aims to assess the court's achievements and discuss the modernization of community justice. The ceremony was opened by Burkinabè Minister of Justice, Me Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, on November 3, 2026.
Established by the Dakar Treaty on January 10, 1994, and installed on January 27, 1995, the UEMOA Court of Justice became fully operational in 1996. Its primary mission is to ensure respect for the law in the interpretation and application of community texts. The court contributes to legal security and regional integration among the eight member states of UEMOA. Its decisions have a significant impact on promoting a common legal space.
According to the President of the UEMOA Court of Justice, Togolese magistrate Kuami Gaméli Lodonou, the commemoration is an opportunity to reflect on the institution's role in building a community based on the law. He emphasized that 30 years of existence and activity have enabled the court to participate in establishing a union of law and justice in the service of citizens. Lodonou called for evaluating past decisions, examining current limitations, and proposing improvements for community justice.
The President of the UEMOA Commission, represented by Lassine Bouaré, highlighted the court's significant contributions to consolidating the community's legal order. He emphasized the principle of the primacy of community law over national legislation, as established by the court in several decisions. This principle ensures a coherent application of rules across member states, promoting a common legal space.
The colloquium features a range of discussions, including the role of the court in constructing a union of law, relationships between the UEMOA court and national legal orders, and access to community litigation for individuals. The event also marks the official presentation of a new collection of the court's jurisprudence and the restitution of key conclusions from the discussions.
The UEMOA Court of Justice's 30th anniversary celebration serves as an opportunity to acknowledge its achievements and identify necessary developments to better meet the expectations of citizens and regional integration requirements. The court's judicial year 2026-2027 is set to commence on November 5, 2026.
Key issues discussed during the colloquium include the digitalization of procedures, improving access to the court, and strengthening legal security. These concerns are part of the efforts to bring community justice closer to citizens, legal professionals, and national institutions. The UEMOA Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the court in implementing these reforms.
Key points
- The UEMOA Court of Justice has played a crucial role in promoting regional integration through its legal decisions over the past 30 years.
- The court's jurisprudence has established key principles, including the primacy of community law over national legislation.
- The 30th anniversary celebration serves as an opportunity for reflection, evaluation, and discussion on the court's future developments.
