President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. met with the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Gonçalves, at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia. The meeting took place as part of an outreach and sensitization mission by a delegation from the ECOWAS Court.
The delegation included the Vice President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, the Chief Registrar, and the Director of Administration and Finance. Their visit to Liberia is aimed at increasing public awareness about the mandate, jurisprudence, and operations of the Court within West Africa.
Justice Gonçalves stated that during their visit they would meet with law students, civil society representatives, and legal professionals to explain how the Court works to promote justice and uphold rule of law among member states. According to him: “The delegation will engage with law students, civil society actors, and members of the legal community to enhance understanding of the Court’s role in promoting justice and upholding the rule of law across member states.”
President Boakai welcomed the delegation and reiterated Liberia’s support for ECOWAS principles. He said Liberia is committed to respecting decisions made by the ECOWAS Court: “We believe in ECOWAS.” The President also noted that his government has set up a communication mechanism designed to inform Liberians about what the ECOWAS Court does and its significance for citizens.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice acts as the main legal body for interpreting laws under treaties adopted by West African states.