New ECOWAS Court judges pledge judicial excellence, integrity, effective justice

The new school of Judges of the Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, have pledged to uphold judicial independence, integrity and impartiality, strengthen collegiality and promote well timed and effective supply of justice.

Hon Justice Charlyne Brumskine, President of the Court reiterated the dedication of the Honourable Judges in her opening speech delivered on 19 October 2026, to mark the start of a five-day orientation programme for the newly appointed Judges, held beneath the theme, “Becoming an ECOWAS Judge: Judicial Excellence, Institutional Integration and Effective Adjudication.”

Congratulating her colleagues on their assumption of workplace on 13 October 2026, Justice Brumskine emphasised that serving on the regional Court required an intensive understanding of the ECOWAS authorized order, the Court’s jurisdiction and procedures, and its jurisprudence developed over greater than 20 years.

The Hon President recognized three priorities for the brand new school of Judges: independence and integrity; collegiality; and effectiveness. She harassed that “public confidence in the Court depends on the fairness, impartiality and integrity demonstrated in every case.” She emphasised the significance of rigorous deliberation, mutual respect and consistency in judicial selections. She highlighted the necessity to sort out delays and enhance the well timed supply of justice and align judicial work with the Court’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030. She additional underscored the necessity for sustained engagement with Member States to strengthen compliance with the Court’s judgements.

Justice Brumskine acknowledged the Acting Chief Registrar, Dr Ousmane Diallo, the facilitator, Professor Friday C. Nwoke, former Vice-President of the Court, and the Court’s workers for his or her contributions to the organisation and supply of the programme.

The different Judges taking part within the orientation programme are: Hon Justice Désire Henri AIHOU (Vice President), Hon Justice Henrietta Uzoamaka DIDIGU (Member), Hon Justice Yaouza OURO-SAMA (Member) and Hon Justice Awa BAH (Member).

In an earlier welcome handle, Dr Ousmane Diallo, Acting Chief Registrar, outlined the aims and anticipated outcomes of the programme. He described it as a possibility to facilitate the sleek integration of the newly appointed Judges and their Executive Assistants into the Court’s institutional and operational surroundings.

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Dr Diallo defined that the programme would familiarise the members with the Court’s organisational construction, departmental duties, administrative procedures and coordination mechanisms. It can also be meant to make clear the respective roles of judicial, authorized, administrative and different help providers, whereas strengthening communication and collaboration amongst Judges, Executive Assistants, heads of departments and workers.

Among the anticipated outcomes of the orientation programme are: improved understanding of the Court’s construction and help methods; and stronger skilled relationships constructed. The programme will promote institutional continuity, operational effectivity, and workers preparedness to help the brand new Judges for the effective discharge of their capabilities.