The ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Touray, has condemned the non enforcement of its judgements among the member statess.
Touray insisted that the enforcement ofjudgmentss 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.
Speaking at the ECOWAS Judicial Council meeting, in Abuja Tuesday, Touray noted that the supplementary protocol relating to the ECOWAS Community Court provides a role for the national judicial institutions in the enforcement of these judgements.
“I believe that it is time for deliberate action to be taken to address this challenge.
“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 defence of the rule of law and human rights.
He stressed the need to institutionalise a more regular meeting of the Judicial Council to ensure that the activities of the Court benefit from theregulary review and guidance of the Council.
The ECOWAS Commission President noted that the Community Court has become an exemplary institution, which is being emulated by other regional courts in the continent, adding that the Court has witnessed the transition of judges over the years: the recruitment of Judges of high quality and standards to preside over the affairs of the Court.
The 2-day ECOWAS judicial council conference on enforcemenot of ECOWAS court judgments was declared open by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
The meetin, which started on Tuesday, and had in attendance, the Chief Justices of member countries of ECOWA, is presided over by Justice Ariwoola, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council.
In an opening address, Justice Ariwoola recalled that in June 2006, the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS decided to establish a Judicial Council of the Community with the responsibility for recruiting judges for the Community Court and handling disciplinary matters of the judges, including the functioning of the Court.
Justice Ariwoola said
the ECOWAS Judicial Council, though not as widely known as some other bodies, plays a crucial role in maintaining the rule of law and justice within ourregionn.
“The Judicial Council serves as the guardian of the rule of law and the protector of human rights within
the region, he said.
In addition, the ECOWAS Judicial Council plays a crucial role in the resolution of disputes among member states, ensuring that conflicts are resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.
The objective of this starutory meeting of ECOWas Judicial Council is to review the legal framework of the Community Judicial Council, look deeply on our responsibilitie, and suggest areas for improvement.
The ECOWAS Judicial Council plays a crucial role in the resolution of disputes among memberstatess, ensuring that conflicts are resolved in peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.
“It acts as a mediator and facilitator in resolving disputes, promoting dialogue and reconciliation among member states.
“By doing so, the Council contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability in the regio,n” Justice Ariwoola stated.
The ECOWAS Judicial Council Chairman hinted that the objective of the Statutory meeting of ECOWAS Judicial Council is to review the legal framework of the Community Judicial Council, look deeply on our responsibilities and suggest areas for improvement.
“No doubt, the ECOWAS Judicial Council is an indispensable institution in the West African region.
“Through its numerous functions, the Council strives to ensure the independence and integrity of the judiciary, protect human rights, interpret regional laws, and resolve disputes among member states.
“As we move forward, it is crucial to support and strengthen the ECOWAS Judicial Council, as it continues to play vital role in our collective journey towards a more just, peaceful, and integrated West Africa” Justice Ariwoola stated.
