ECOWAS Court of Justice addresses enforcement and integration challenges

The ECOWAS Court of Justice is addressing critical institutional challenges during its 2026 Annual International Conference in Dakar, Senegal. Marking its 25th anniversary, the Court is navigating a period of significant transition, including the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the regional bloc.

A primary focus of the conference is the systemic issue of judgment enforcement. Court President Justice Ricardo Gonçalves and ECOWAS Commission President Birame Diop highlighted the gap between judicial rulings and their actual implementation by member states. This lack of compliance poses a threat to the credibility of the regional legal order and the protection of human rights.

Discussions also cover the integration of technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, and the need for judicial innovation to meet evolving governance and economic realities. The conference aims to establish frameworks for better compliance, enhanced access to justice, and strengthened regional integration across West Africa.