Chairman President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal swore in five new judges to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice on Tuesday, charging them to uphold impartial justice and strengthen public trust in regional institutions. The ceremony took place at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja.
The new judges are Mr Désiré Henri Aihou of Benin; Hon. Justice Awa Bah of The Gambia; Mrs Charlyne M. Brumskine of Liberia; Mrs Henrietta Uzoamaka Didigu of Nigeria; and Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama of Togo. They assumed office at a time when the region faces political, economic, security and environmental challenges demanding a firm commitment to the rule of law.
Firm Commitment to Rule of Law
Faye emphasized the Court’s central responsibility to ensure fairness in applying ECOWAS legal instruments, protect citizens’ rights and strengthen confidence in regional institutions. He urged the judges to let their oath guide their conduct during their four-year tenure, particularly when making decisions.
“Throughout the duration of your mandate, to constantly keep in mind—especially at the moment of decision-making—the foundation of your oath,” Faye said. He charged them to deliver justice fairly, examine cases according to their conscience and exercise their responsibilities impartially without yielding to pressure from any source.
The credibility of the Court, Faye noted, depends on the quality of its decisions and the trust they generate among citizens. He also called for the modernization of the Court’s operations to make community justice more effective, accessible and better accepted by the public.
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Legal Framework and Appointment Process
The five judges were appointed for a four-year, non-renewable term by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at its 69th Ordinary Session in Lungi, Sierra Leone, on July 19, 2026. Their appointment followed the December 2025 Supplementary Act SA.1/12/25 relating to the Community Court of Justice.
Under Article 3 of the Act, the Court comprises five independent judges selected from member state nationals who are persons of high moral character. Candidates must possess qualifications for appointment to a Supreme Court or equivalent judicial office, have recognised competence in international law, particularly community or regional integration law, and at least 20 years of professional experience.
Article 5 requires each judge to take an oath of office or solemn declaration before the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. The five judges succeeded five outgoing colleagues whose tenures expired: Hon. Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves of Cape Verde; Hon. Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma of Sierra Leone; Hon. Justice Dupe Atoki of Nigeria; Hon. Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire; and Hon. Justice Edward Amoako Asante of Ghana.
Earlier, ECOWAS Commission President General Birame Diop described the swearing-in as more than a ceremonial exercise, emphasizing it represents a commitment to citizens and a common legal order. The oath requires judges to set aside personal interests and external influences to serve community law with honour, loyalty, impartiality and conscience.
Diop noted the Court has become one of the most visible and accessible ECOWAS institutions, particularly because individuals can approach it to seek redress for rights violations. “By opening its doors to individuals, the Community has given concrete meaning to the idea of an ECOWAS of the peoples, and no longer just of States,” Diop said.
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According to Diop, the Court’s jurisprudence, especially on human rights, has been cited beyond West Africa, constituting a source of regional pride. He stressed the need for stronger cooperation among ECOWAS institutions and member states to ensure judicial independence and effective implementation of Court decisions.
Diop disclosed that work is underway on a possible Appellate Chamber for the Court, with a committee of community institution representatives examining the proposal. Recommendations from a recent international conference in Dakar will also inform deliberations, with the Commission prepared to play its full part in the process.
Upon assumption of duty, the five new judges are expected to elect a President and Vice-President from among themselves for a two-year term.
Recognition of Outgoing Judges’ Contributions
Faye commended the outgoing judges for their service and contributions to the development of community law and regional integration. He highlighted that their stewardship and commitment had brought community law to life, supporting an ECOWAS grounded in justice, individual rights and integration. Their four-year tenures concluded on the same day the new judges assumed office.
Efforts to Strengthen Judicial Independence and Structure
By enabling direct citizen engagement, the Court has operationalized the concept of an ECOWAS “of the peoples,” not merely of States, he explained.
