The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will hold its 2026 International Conference from September 21 to 25 in Dakar, Senegal, with stakeholders expected to deliberate on the future of regional justice, human rights protection and integration in West Africa.
The conference, which is being held under the theme, “ECOWAS Court of Justice at the Crossroads: Justice, Innovation, Human Rights Protection and the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa,” will bring together senior judicial and government officials from ECOWAS member states, heads of ECOWAS institutions and national courts, legal practitioners, academics, civil society organisations, development partners, international organisations and members of the press.
The five-day event comes at a critical period for the regional bloc, with participants expected to examine emerging challenges confronting regional justice and explore ways of strengthening the effectiveness and accessibility of the ECOWAS Court.
According to the organisers, the conference will provide a platform for reflection, dialogue and collective action on how regional justice can respond to emerging challenges while promoting human rights and embracing technological innovation.
Seven thematic sessions have been scheduled to examine issues including human rights jurisprudence, enforcement and compliance with Court decisions, artificial intelligence and data protection, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, the proposed appellate chamber, environmental justice, as well as refugee protection and forced displacement.
The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening human rights protection, improving compliance with judgments of the Court, advancing digital innovation and addressing emerging environmental and displacement challenges across the region.
Participants will also explore new approaches to resolving commercial disputes within the ECOWAS region through arbitration and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
The programme will feature plenary sessions, expert panel discussions, roundtables and an exhibition designed to promote knowledge-sharing, partnerships and practical solutions for improving regional justice delivery.
The conference is expected to culminate in actionable recommendations and an Outcome Document outlining strategic priorities for the future of the ECOWAS Court and the broader regional integration project.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice said the gathering would provide an opportunity for distinguished stakeholders to collectively examine ways of building a more effective, accessible, innovative and human rights-centred regional justice system in West Africa.
