ECOWAS court gets new leadership
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice has recently undergone a significant leadership change.
On October 14, 2024, Honorable Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves from Cape Verde was elected as the new President of the ECOWAS Court. He succeeds Honorable Justice Edward Amoako Asante, who held the position for six years since July 31, 2018.
Alongside him, Honorable Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma from Sierra Leone was elected as Vice-President, taking over from Honorable Justice Gberi-bè Ouattara.
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The election was conducted by the college of five judges of the Court. Following their election, both Gonçalves and Koroma were inaugurated by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau on October 6, 2022.
This transition marks a pivotal moment for the court as it continues to uphold its mission in promoting justice and human rights within the ECOWAS region.c
Achievements of Outgoing Leadership
During his tenure, Justice Asante oversaw remarkable developments in the court’s operations. His leadership saw a transformation in jurisprudence and case management systems, alongside improvements in physical infrastructure.
Notably, he facilitated the relocation of the court to a new complex in Abuja in 2023 due to overcrowding at its previous location. Under his guidance, an electronic case management system was introduced which allowed for virtual court sessions—significantly easing access for applicants across ECOWAS member states.
Justice Asante’s presidency also led to an increase in landmark judgments concerning human rights violations within member states. His efforts earned international recognition for the court, including accolades such as the Global Freedom of Expression Award from Columbia University in March 2022.
Vision for New Leadership
In his inaugural address, President Gonçalves articulated his vision centered on two fundamental pillars: responsibility and dialogue. He emphasized maintaining the court’s independence while ensuring it remains reliable and accessible to all stakeholders involved. Furthermore, he expressed commitment to fostering continuous dialogue with various ECOWAS institutions and civil societies while managing funds prudently.
This leadership change is expected to bring fresh perspectives and continued progress towards enhancing judicial processes within ECOWAS.
The new president’s focus on responsibility and dialogue is anticipated to guide the court towards further advancement.
