The President of Cape Verde, José Neves, has opened the ECOWAS Court 2025/2026 legal year in Abuja, Nigeria.
He used the occasion to reaffirm Cape Verde’s’ commitment and determination to initiatives geared towards strengthening community justice and integration in the West African.
ECOWAS Theme of the Legal Year
The theme of the ECOWAS Court‘s 2025/2026 Legal Year celebration was : “ECOWAS Court and International Law: Expanding Access and Navigating Contemporary Challenges,” .
President Neves stated that the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, is standing on the banner of justice, which is an intangible force that sustains the order of the world, and gives meaning to the collective life of nations.
“This moment here is not merely an institutional formality. It is a proclamation that our community believes that, the law is stronger than force, the pen is mightier than the sword, and that the hope of people is built on the foundations of the law. He stated.
While reiterating his willingness to work with other West African leaders, he said they could only successfully address the challenges of integration and community justice through collective action and solidarity.
ECOWAS Revised Treaty
Article 68 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty recognises the peculiar nature of island states that are landlocked and provides for a differentiated treatment and adequate support.
“It is imperative that this principle be fully applied to transform the vulnerability of the so-called jurors of the outermost regions into a strategic singularity and an effective contribution to the wealth of the community,” he said.
The President explained that the ECOWAS Court is a guarantor of legality, the impartial arbiter of disputes, the guardian of fundamental rights of citizens, and the mainstay of the community’s credibility.
He acknowledged that Africa was still facing border disputes, institutional weaknesses, and recurring tensions.
The existence of an independent and respected community court was have a safeguard for these challenges.
“It is in this court that the citizens find a safe haven against arbitrariness. It is here that our states have a fair forum to resolve their differences.
“It is here that in a pioneering move within Africa, citizens have direct access to a supranational body.
Clarion Call
Cape Verde’s president called on ECOWAS citizens to appreciate the power of the court to protect all as an instrument of dignity
“We must ensure that all ECOWAS citizens, regardless of their status, can see the court as a real safe haven for protection, an effective remedy, and an instrument of dignity,” he explained.
He challenged the ECOWAS Court to assert itself as a legal arbiter and catalyst for a new political culture, legality, transparency, accountability, and respect for international law and multilateralism.
ECOWAS Must Inspire Africa
Jose Neves stressed that community justice must inspire Africa to construct a rules-based order with democracy and peace, as Africa would not be respected globally until it enforces its own rule of law.
“Integration and justice must be presented, not just as abstract notions but as a concrete pathway to dignity, opportunity and progress, so ECOWAS must be more than an institutional architecture.
“It must be the civilizational project that demonstrates to the world that Africa is capable of organising itself according to the principles of dignity, solidarity and justice,” the President said.
Canvassing for Reforms
In a related development, Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi canvassed for reforms in the ECOWAS Court of Justice to enhance community citizens’ access to justice, and address contemporary challenges.
“In my capacity as Attorney General of the Federation, I pledge to continue advocating for legal reforms that align domestic laws with regional obligations, while also ensuring that such decisions respect our constitutional order and national law,” he said.
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Community Court of Justice – Cour De Justice De La Communaute <br>Tribunal De Justica Da Comunidade
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