ECOWAS Subcommittee of the Judicial Council Convenes in Banjul to Review Rules of Procedure

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently held a crucial meeting in Banjul, The Gambia, where the Subcommittee of the Judicial Council convened to review its rules of procedure. The meeting, which took place from April 29th to May 1st, 2024, brought together esteemed Chief Justices and legal dignitaries from various ECOWAS Member States.

During the opening of the meeting, Justice Hassan B. Jallow, the Hon. Chief Justice of The Gambia and Chairman of the Sub-Committee, emphasized the importance of revising the Council’s Rules of Procedure. He also advocated for expanding the jurisdiction of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice to address serious international crimes, highlighting the region's commitment to justice and accountability. Justice Jallow set a forward-looking tone for the meeting, aiming to enhance the operational efficiency of the Court.

Representing the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia, Justice Hussein Thomasi, the Honorable Solicitor General, underscored the pivotal role of the ECOWAS Judicial Council in fostering legal cooperation and ensuring access to justice for all ECOWAS citizens.

Honorable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, reiterated the Council's dedication to enhancing judicial efficiency and strengthening the legal framework across member states. He also emphasized the Council's commitment to promoting respect for human rights within the sub-region.

H.E. Ambassador Miatta Lily FRENCH, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in The Gambia, echoed ECOWAS’s commitment to promoting legal excellence and regional integration. She highlighted the significance of the Judicial Council in advancing these objectives.

The Committee meeting in Banjul, comprising five Member States - Benin, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, and Sierra Leone, was established to review its rules and submit recommendations to the Council for improving the rules of procedure and legal framework relating to the Council.