The ECOWAS Commission’s Legal Affairs Directorate organized the 6th Retreat of the Network of Legal Advisers across ECOWAS institutions, agencies, and offices. The event took place in Banjul, The Gambia, from December 17 to December 21, 2024.
The retreat began with an opening ceremony chaired by Acting Director of Legal Affairs, Mrs. Isatou Combeh NJAI. During her remarks, Mrs. NJAI welcomed participants to The Gambia and expressed gratitude for their commitment to the network.
Participants included representatives from the ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS Parliament, and the West African Health Organisation (WAHO).
The Network of Legal Advisers is an initiative by the ECOWAS Commission’s Legal Affairs Directorate. It serves as a platform for legal cooperation and professional exchange among members.
The network holds two annual retreats: one before mid-year statutory meetings and another before year-end statutory meetings. These gatherings aim to draft, review, and align texts in three languages for consideration at ECOWAS statutory meetings. They also ensure compliance with community provisions and international instruments.
Additionally, participants discuss implementing management directives for centralized contract preparation at the commission. Other objectives include exploring harmonization opportunities among legal advisers’ activities and creating further interaction opportunities within the network.
