The Economic Community for West African States Commission (ECOWAS) on Tuesday advocated for strict enforcement of community court judgments as a measure to help prevent several conflicts including insecurity that are confronting the sub-region.
President of the ECOWAS commission, Dr. Omar Touray stated this while speaking during the statutory meeting of the ECOWAS judicial council in Abuja.
He said, “The enforcement of the judgments of the Community Court has remained a major issue in the effective delivery of the mandate and responsibility of the judicial institution to the community citizens.”
Touray explained that the supplementary protocol relating to the Community Court provides a clear role for the national judicial institutions in the enforcement of such judgments.
According to him, it was time for the regional bloc to take deliberate actions to address this challenge.
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He said, “In this era, where instability and insecurity are overwhelming our community, the role of the justice sector is crucial in conflict prevention, through the promotion and defense of the rule of law and human rights.”
Chairman of the ECOWAS judicial council who is also Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Olukayode Ariwoola, in his remarks noted that the council acts as a mediator and facilitator in resolving disputes, promoting dialogue, and reconciliation among member states.
Justice Ariwoola stressed that this unique function contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability within the sub-region.
He said, it was crucial to support and strengthen the judicial council as it continues to play a vital role in the collective journey towards a more just, peaceful, and integrated West Africa.
Justice Ariwoola said the purpose of Tuesday meeting of the judicial council was to review the legal framework of the ECOWAS judicial council as well as look deeply on its responsibilities for improvements.
In his remarks, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Nigeria, Lateef Fagnemi, said It was important for tbe Community Court of Justice to continue to undergo necessary reforms to bring it in tandem with the current exigencies and in managing the challenges associated with justice delivery in the region.
“The Court must adopt strategies that strengthen its jurisdiction, whilst appreciating the jurisdictional boundaries of the Court and limiting unnecessary conflict with domestic laws of member States,” Fagbemi added.
The Justice Minister also said that there is a need to pay attention to the peculiarities of member States and refrain from issuing orders and judgments that are practically incapable of enforcement.
The meeting is being attended by Chief Justices from elven West African countries including, Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Togo, Gambia, Liberia, Sierra-Leone, Cape Verde, Benin Republic, Senegal, and Cote D’ivore.
