ECOWAS President Urges Action on Non-Enforcement of Court Judgments.

By Caroline Ameh

ECOWAS President, Omar Touray has condemned the persistent non-enforcement of court judgments among member states, highlighting it as a significant obstacle to the effective delivery of justice within the community.

Touray, speaking at the opening session of the statutory meeting of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, held in Abuja on Tuesday,, stressed that the failure to enforce judgments handed down by the ECOWAS Community Court remained a critical challenge, undermining the institution’s mandate and responsibility to serve the citizens of the region. He emphasized the need for decisive action to address this issue, particularly in an era marked by increasing instability and insecurity across the region.

The ECOWAS Commission President reiterated the importance of the supplementary protocol related to the ECOWAS Community Court, which outlines the role of national judicial institutions in enforcing court judgments. He urged for greater cooperation and commitment from member states to ensure the effective implementation of these protocols.

Furthermore, Touray called for the institutionalization of regular meetings of the Judicial Council to provide ongoing review and guidance to the activities of the Court. He praised the exemplary status of the Community Court, noting its influence on other regional courts in Africa and highlighting the recruitment of high-quality judges as a testament to its commitment to justice and fairness.

The 2-day ECOWAS Judicial Council conference on the enforcement of ECOWAS court judgments was inaugurated by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

In his opening remarks, Justice Ariwoola underscored the crucial role of the Judicial Council in upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights within the region.

He emphasized that while the ECOWAS Judicial Council may not be as widely recognized as other bodies, it plays a fundamental role in maintaining peace, stability, and justice within the region. Justice Ariwoola highlighted the Council’s function in mediating disputes among member states and promoting dialogue and reconciliation as essential components of its mandate.

The statutory meeting of the ECOWAS Judicial Council aims to review the legal framework of the Community Judicial Council and identify areas for improvement. Justice Ariwoola emphasized the Council’s indispensable role in supporting the independence and integrity of the judiciary, interpreting regional laws, and resolving disputes among member states.

In conclusion, Justice Ariwoola reiterated the importance of strengthening and supporting the ECOWAS Judicial Council in its mission to promote a more just, peaceful, and integrated West Africa. He called for collective efforts to ensure the Council’s continued effectiveness in fulfilling its vital role within the region.