ECOWAS Swears In Five New Judges, Tasks Them On Fairness.

By Ferdinand Olise

The Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS, has sworn in five new Judges of the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

Speaking during the ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, President of the ECOWAS Commission, General Birame Diop, said the Community Court is one the most visible and accessible institutions of ECOWAS, as individuals can approach the Court and seek redress for violations of their rights.

General Diop said the swearing-in is more than a ceremonial exercise, but represents a commitment by the new Judges to citizens of the community and to a common legal order.

“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. The oath marks the moment when the individual sets aside their personal interests and all external influences to serve only community law,” he said.

According to him, the Court’s jurisprudence, particularly on human rights, was cited beyond West Africa and constituted a source of pride for the region.

He called for stronger cooperation among the ECOWAS Commission, it’s Judicial Council, the Community Court, ECOWAS Parliament and member States. He also urged member States to sustain cooperation with the Court to ensure effective implementation of its decisions and consolidate the rule of law across the community.

Charging the new Judges to strengthen public trust through impartial and credible justice, the
Chairman of the Authority of Heads of States and Government, President Bassirou Faye of Senegal, said the judges assumed office at a critical period when the region is facing political, economic, security and environmental challenges that require firm commitment to the rule of law and collective action.

He also emphasised that the Court has the responsibility to ensure fairness in the application of ECOWAS legal instruments, protect citizens’ rights and strengthen confidence in regional institutions.

Faye therefore urged the new Judges to be mindful of the Oath they had taken to guide their conduct throughout their four-year tenure, particularly when deciding cases brought before the Court.

He also cautioned them not to yield to pressure from any source while delivering justice, but constantly keep in mind, especially at the moment of decision-making, the foundation of their Oath and deliver justice fairly.

According to Faye, the credibility of the Court will continue to depend on the quality of its decisions and the level of trust they generated among citizens. He therefore urged the Judges to consolidate the Court’s achievements while contributing to efforts to modernise its operations and make community justice more effective, accessible and better accepted by the public.

The five 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.

Their appointment was made pursuant to the December 2025 Supplementary Act SA.1/12/25 relating to the Community Court of Justice.

Under Article 3 of the Act, the Court is to comprise five independent judges selected from among nationals of member States who are persons of high moral character and possess the qualifications required for appointment to the Supreme Court or an equivalent judicial office.

Faye also commended the outgoing judges for their service and contributions to the development of community law and regional integration.

“Through their stewardship and commitment, they have brought community law to life and contributed to building an ECOWAS that is mindful of the principles of justice, respectful of individual rights, and resolutely oriented toward integration”, he added.