New Leadership Takes Helm At ECOWAS Court Of Justice

ABUJA, NIGERIA –  The ECOWAS Court of Justice has a new leadership team, with Honourable Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves from Cabo Verde elected as the new President and Honourable Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma from Sierra Leone as the new Vice President.

The elections took place on Monday, marking the beginning of a two-year term for the new leaders.

Justice Gonçalves succeeds Honourable Justice Edward Amoako Asante from Ghana who served a six-year term as President.

Justice Koroma takes over from Honourable Justice Gberi-bè Ouattara from Côte d’Ivoire as Vice-President.

Both Justice Gonçalves and Justice Koroma were sworn into office in Guinea Bissau on October 6, 2022, for a four-year term by former ECOWAS Chairman, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo.

In his acceptance speech, President Gonçalves outlined his vision for the ECOWAS Court, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and dialogue.

He highlighted the Court’s crucial role in upholding the ECOWAS laws and reiterated his commitment to ensuring an independent, reliable, efficient, and accessible justice system for the region.

The new President also pledged to maintain open communication with other ECOWAS institutions, member states, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, while also ensuring responsible financial management of the Court’s resources.

The ECOWAS Court of Justice plays a vital role in interpreting and applying the ECOWAS Treaty and other relevant legal instruments. It is tasked with ensuring the rule of law, promoting human rights, and protecting the rights of individuals and communities within the West African region.

The new leadership team is expected to build upon the work of their predecessors and continue to strengthen the Court’s position as a respected and effective judicial institution within the ECOWAS community.