The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice on Wednesday, November 12, officially opened a four-day outreach and legal clinic in Monrovia, marking its first-ever engagement in Liberia. The initiative aims to close the public awareness gap on the Court’s mandate, jurisdiction, and procedures, while promoting access to regional justice and strengthening public trust in the rule of law across West Africa.
The opening ceremony, held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, brought together Chief Justice His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society leaders, legal practitioners, and ECOWAS officials. In his message delivered on behalf of the President of the Court, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, the Court praised Liberia for its exemplary leadership within the sub-region. “Liberia deserves recognition and commendation for its leadership,” Justice Gonçalves stated. “Your country’s ratification of all the protocols governing this Court demonstrates a firm commitment to the rule of law, regional justice, and cooperation.”
He called for deeper collaboration between national institutions and the ECOWAS Court to ensure that justice is both accessible and meaningful across West Africa, adding that effective cooperation remains central to the enforcement of the Court’s judgments. In remarks, Chief Registrar Yaouza Ouro-Sama said the outreach aligns with ECOWAS’s transition from an “ECOWAS of States” to an “ECOWAS of Peoples.” He emphasized that the Court belongs to all citizens of the community and remains a vital platform for upholding justice and human rights. “Although the Court has existed since 2001, many citizens remain unaware of its existence or mandate,” he said. “Under the 2005 Supplementary Protocol, individuals can file human-rights cases directly against member states. Most of the Court’s current docket involves alleged human-rights violations.”
He clarified that the ECOWAS Court is not an appellate body over national courts but a court of first and last instance, whose decisions are final and binding. Delivering his keynote remarks, Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay lauded the ECOWAS Court for its initiative, describing the outreach as a vital step toward deepening regional integration and expanding access to justice. “We are honored that the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has chosen Liberia for this important engagement,” Chief Justice Gbeisay said. “This visit demonstrates solidarity, shared responsibility, and a commitment to enhancing cooperation across our sub-region.”
He described the Court as a “beacon of hope” for citizens whose domestic justice systems may fail to deliver timely relief. “When governments are unwilling or unable to grant justice, our citizens can look to the ECOWAS Court as a true and impartial arbiter,” he affirmed, encouraging Liberians, civil society, and institutions to engage actively through the planned workshops and town-hall sessions. Representing Foreign Minister H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, reiterated Liberia’s dedication to justice, the rule of law, and regional solidarity.
“Your presence is a testament to your unwavering commitment to justice, the rule of law, and the advancement of regional integration in West Africa,” Dr. Nyei stated, pledging Liberia’s full cooperation in implementing the Court’s programs and judgments. Speaking separately, Deputy Finance Minister for Administration Bill McGill Jones reaffirmed Liberia’s financial compliance with ECOWAS obligations. “Except for arrears owed over many years, Liberia is now in full compliance with the 2024 and 2025 community levy payments,” he noted, adding that the government has prioritized the remaining arrears in the 2025/2026 budget.
He described the outreach as a clear demonstration of Liberia’s commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law as integral pillars of regional integration. Speaking on behalf of ECOWAS Resident Representative Josephine Nkrumah, Dr. Nat B. Walker, Political Advisor at the ECOWAS Office in Liberia, said the outreach coincides with the organization’s 50th anniversary under the theme: “Deepening Integration and Access to Justice.” “Many citizens remain unaware of the Court’s functions or how to access it,” Dr. Walker noted. “This program will educate, guide, empower, and engage community members and stakeholders. An informed citizenry strengthens both enforcement and the legitimacy of the Court.”
During a technical workshop for lawyers and law students at the University of Liberia, LNBA President Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah emphasized that enforcing the Court’s judgments is essential to maintaining its authority and relevance. “There is no way to give meaning and effect to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice if the political leadership in the sub-region fails to enforce its decisions,” Cllr. Varmah said. He urged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to encourage his ECOWAS counterparts to uphold compliance and pledged the Bar’s support in collaborating with the Court. Established under Articles 6 and 15 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice began operations in 2001 and serves four main functions:
Interpreting and applying the ECOWAS Revised Treaty and community laws; Acting as an administrative tribunal for ECOWAS staff; Serving as an arbitration tribunal for member states and individuals; and Adjudicating human-rights cases brought directly by individuals against member states. The 2005 Supplementary Protocol expanded the Court’s jurisdiction to include human-rights violations, making it a cornerstone for regional justice. The Monrovia outreach and legal clinic are designed to educate citizens on how to access the Court, how to file petitions, and how to ensure enforcement of judgments within national systems.
The four-day outreach, running through November 16, features public legal clinics, technical training sessions, and courtesy visits to national authorities. ECOWAS officials also highlighted ongoing digital reforms, including an Electronic Case Management System that allows e-filing and hybrid hearings, as well as a regional moot-court program to nurture young advocates familiar with ECOWAS jurisprudence. “The Court is here to serve the peoples of West Africa,” said Chief Registrar Ouro-Sama in closing remarks. “This outreach embodies our belief that an informed citizenry is an empowered citizenry and that access to justice lies at the heart of regional integration.”
