The newly appointed judges of the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have pledged to uphold judicial independence, integrity and impartiality while working to eliminate delays and improve the delivery of justice across the region.
The judges made the commitment at the opening of a five-day orientation programme held on October 19, 2026, under the theme, “Becoming an ECOWAS Judge: Judicial Excellence, Institutional Integration and Effective Adjudication.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the President of the Court, Justice Charlyne Brumskine, congratulated the new judges on their appointments and stressed the importance of understanding the ECOWAS legal framework, the Court’s jurisdiction and procedures, and its jurisprudence developed over more than two decades.
Brumskine identified judicial independence and integrity, collegiality, and effective adjudication as the three key priorities for the new college of judges.
She said public confidence in the Court depended on the fairness, impartiality and integrity demonstrated in the handling of cases.
The Court president also emphasised the need for rigorous deliberations, mutual respect among judges and consistency in judicial decisions to strengthen confidence in the regional judicial institution.
On the timely administration of justice, she called for measures to address delays and improve efficiency, noting that the Court’s judicial activities must align with its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030.
Brumskine further stressed the importance of sustained engagement with ECOWAS member states to improve compliance with the Court’s judgments.
She acknowledged the contributions of the Acting Chief Registrar, Dr Ousmane Diallo; the programme facilitator and former Vice-President of the Court, Professor Friday C. Nwoke; and other staff members involved in organising the orientation programme.
The newly appointed judges participating in the programme include Justice Désire Henri Aihou, Vice-President of the Court; Justice Henrietta Uzoamaka Didigu; Justice Yaouza Ouro-Sama; and Justice Awa Bah.
Earlier, Diallo, in his welcome address, said the orientation programme was designed to facilitate the smooth integration of the newly appointed judges and their executive assistants into the Court’s institutional and operational framework.
He explained that the programme would familiarise participants with the Court’s organisational structure, departmental responsibilities, administrative procedures and coordination mechanisms.
According to him, the orientation would also clarify the respective roles of judicial, legal, administrative and support services while strengthening communication and collaboration among judges, executive assistants, departmental heads and other staff members.
Diallo said the programme was expected to improve participants’ understanding of the Court’s structure and support systems while fostering stronger professional relationships.
He added that the initiative would promote institutional continuity, operational efficiency and staff preparedness to support the judges in discharging their judicial responsibilities effectively.
