ECOWAS Court Marks 25 Years, Calls for Reforms to Strengthen Justice Delivery

The President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, has called for sweeping reforms to strengthen the Court’s effectiveness and improve justice delivery across West Africa as the institution marks its 25th anniversary. He made the appeal during his welcome address at the 2026 Annual International Conference of the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Dakar, Senegal, where judges, legal experts and regional leaders gathered to reflect on the Court’s legacy and future direction.

According to a statement issued by the Court, Gonçalves described the silver jubilee as a defining moment to evaluate the institution’s progress over the past quarter century while charting what he called “a bold vision for the future.” He said the anniversary should serve not only as a celebration of achievements but also as an opportunity to reshape the Court’s role in meeting the changing needs of West African citizens.

Justice Gonçalves noted that the Court has evolved into one of Africa’s most significant regional judicial institutions through successive reforms, particularly the expansion of its mandate to include human rights protection. He said its growing body of jurisprudence has contributed to the protection of fundamental rights, the promotion of legal certainty, the strengthening of democratic governance and the advancement of regional integration across ECOWAS member states.

“As we commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, we are presented with a unique opportunity not only to celebrate the progress achieved over the past quarter century but also to critically assess our journey and chart a bold vision for the future,” Gonçalves said.

The Court President, however, warned that the institution stands at an important crossroads. He argued that changing realities, including technological advancement, evolving human rights challenges, increased regional mobility, economic transformation and rising public expectations, require the Court to continually adapt and innovate if it is to remain relevant and effective.

Established in 2001 under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Court was initially designed to resolve disputes involving member states and regional institutions. Over time, its jurisdiction expanded, allowing individuals to bring human rights cases directly before the Court in many circumstances, transforming it into a vital mechanism for regional accountability and access to justice.

During the Dakar conference, participants also highlighted the need for stronger enforcement of judgments, greater public awareness of the Court’s mandate and procedural reforms that would reduce delays and improve access for ordinary citizens. While the Court has delivered landmark decisions on unlawful detention, freedom of expression, electoral rights and access to education, implementation of some rulings has remained uneven across member states.

The anniversary comes at a pivotal time for West Africa, as the region continues to navigate democratic transitions, constitutional debates and complex security challenges. In that environment, the credibility and independence of regional judicial institutions are increasingly viewed as essential safeguards for the rule of law and peaceful integration.

As the ECOWAS Court enters its next 25 years, its success will depend not only on delivering sound legal judgments but also on ensuring those decisions translate into meaningful justice for millions of people across the region. The reforms proposed in Dakar reflect a broader recognition that regional justice must evolve alongside the societies it is meant to serve.