Honourable Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves has been elected as the new President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice. The election took place on Monday, October 14, 2024, and he will serve a two-year term. Justice Gonçalves takes over from Honourable Justice Edward Amoako Asante, who served as President for six years since July 31, 2018.
In the same election process, Honourable Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma was chosen as Vice-President of the Court. He succeeds Honourable Justice Gberi-bè Ouattara in this role.
Justice Ricardo C.M. Gonçalves hails from Cabo Verde and Justice Sengu M. Koroma is from Sierra Leone. Both were sworn in on October 6, 2022, in Guinea Bissau by former President Umaro Sissoco Embalo for a non-renewable four-year term.
During his inaugural speech, President-elect Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves outlined his vision for the Court based on responsibility and dialogue. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the responsibilities assigned by ECOWAS laws and maintaining the institution's mission as an independent and efficient court.
Justice Gonçalves expressed his commitment to fostering dialogue with other ECOWAS institutions, member states, civil societies, among others. He also highlighted the need for financial prudence in managing the institution’s funds.
The other three judges currently serving at the Court include outgoing president Justice Edward Amoako Asante from Ghana, outgoing vice-president Justice Gberi-bè Ouattara from Côte d’Ivoire, and Justice Dupe Atoki from Nigeria.
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