ECOWAS Court President Advocates For Enhanced Collaboration, Accountability At 2025 Judicial Retreat

In a call for renewed commitment to institutional collaboration, efficiency, and accountability, Honourable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, emphasised the importance of these principles as foundational to the Court’s service. His remarks came during the opening of the 2025 Judicial Retreat, which runs from October 26 to 31 at Zuma Resort in Niger State, Nigeria.

Justice Gonçalves welcomed participants and highlighted the retreat’s significance as a platform for reflection, accountability, and reinforcing institutional framework. He praised the judges and staff for a productive judicial year and acknowledged the success of the 2025/2026 Legal Year Opening Ceremony, reaffirming the judiciary’s crucial role in the ECOWAS integration process.

During his speech, Justice Gonçalves underscored the need for internal cohesion and discipline in effective justice delivery, asserting that the Court’s ability to provide timely and impactful justice hinges on robust internal systems.

“The credibility of this Court is not merely inscribed in our statutes; it is built daily through our conduct, diligence, and unity of purpose. I hope this retreat serves as both a moment for reflection and a renewal of our commitment, discipline, and integrity in the pursuit of justice,” he stated.

He outlined five key priority areas for the Court’s operations over the upcoming year, which include:
1. Strengthening collaboration between judges’ chambers and all departments;
2. Institutionalising the implementation of retreat recommendations;
3. Upholding discipline and ethics as non-negotiable foundations of service;
4. Enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in judicial processes;
5. Promoting unity and institutional loyalty within the Court.

Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sama, Chief Registrar of the Court, added to the discourse by presenting the objectives and anticipated outcomes of the retreat. He emphasized that the retreat aims to bolster the capacity of the staff to effectively support the judges in their work, addressing the essential need for improved efficiency and synergy in executing official duties. Dr. Ouro-Sama highlighted that the retreat would facilitate a better understanding of comparative practices of international courts and clarify the procedural laws applicable to the Court in its administration of justice.

The 2025 Judicial Retreat will include comprehensive assessments of departmental performance reflected in the Court’s annual performance report, reviews of the implementation of previous retreat recommendations, and discussions on judicial practices such as summary hearings, interim measures, accelerated procedures, and judicial reforms.

Held under the theme “Efficiency and Effectiveness: Streamlining Processes for a Dynamic ECOWAS Court,” the retreat convenes judges, registry staff, and legal officers to reflect on institutional performance and set strategic priorities for the year ahead.

Expected resolutions from the retreat include the adoption of the Court’s Annual Performance Report for October 2024 – October 2025 and a Manual of Disciplinary Procedure for Court staff.