By Cecilia E. L. Mendy
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice on Wednesday launched a one-day sensitisation mission in Banjul aimed at strengthening regional justice delivery, legal cooperation and awareness of its mandate among stakeholders in The Gambia.
The event brought together government officials, legal practitioners, civil society representatives and development partners.
President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves, said the mission was intended to improve understanding of the Court’s jurisdiction, procedures and functions, while enhancing cooperation with national institutions.
He said the Court, established under the revised ECOWAS Treaty, serves as the judicial organ of the regional bloc and plays a key role in interpreting Community law and protecting human rights.
Representing President Adama Barrow, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment Mod K. Ceesay reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to regional integration, noting that it extends beyond trade to legal harmonisation and institutional strengthening.
He said increased awareness of the Court would improve dispute resolution, ensure compliance with Community obligations and enhance investor confidence in the sub-region.
Chief Registrar of the Court, Dr Yaouza Ouro Sama, outlined the evolution of the ECOWAS legal system, noting that individuals and corporate bodies can now access the Court directly in human rights cases following a 2005 protocol amendment.
He stressed that the Court complements national judicial systems rather than replacing them.
Speaker of the National Assembly Fabakary Tombong Jatta highlighted the role of parliaments in domesticating regional legal instruments and ensuring effective implementation at national level, while noting challenges in enforcing Court judgments.
Solicitor General Hussein Thomasi said the initiative aligns with ongoing justice sector reforms and the country’s transitional justice agenda, describing the Court as an important regional safeguard for human rights.
The sensitisation mission is expected to produce recommendations to improve access to justice, institutional cooperation and the effectiveness of regional legal systems within ECOWAS member states