The Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Court) reaffirms its staunch opposition to unconstitutional changes of government in the region as it prepares for the highly anticipated 2023 international conference. The conference, scheduled to commence on May 22nd, 2023 in Banjul, The Gambia, aims to address the pressing issue of democratic reversals and military takeovers witnessed in Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali, which pose a threat to the region’s evolving democracy. The ECOWAS Court President, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, recently met with The Gambia’s Chief Justice, Honorable Hassan B. Jallow, to discuss the conference’s preparations and shed light on its significance.
Justice Asante emphasized that the conference’s theme was thoughtfully chosen considering the recent political developments and the risks they pose to the region. Academics, jurists, and lawyers will present their insights on seven sub-themes, offering a comprehensive analysis of the policy’s dimensions, the implications of recent events, and proposing effective measures to address these challenges. The ECOWAS Court hopes that the conference’s outcomes will contribute to democratic consolidation, fostering a deeper respect for the rule of law and human rights, both of which are vital to the judiciary.
During the meeting, Justice Asante expressed his gratitude to Chief Justice Jallow for his support and willingness to participate in the conference’s opening ceremony. He acknowledged The Gambia’s judiciary’s commitment to ensuring the conference’s success and expressed the ECOWAS Court’s readiness to collaborate with the government and the local judiciary to address the recurring issue of low enforcement of the regional court’s decisions.
The Gambia’s Role and Commitment
Chief Justice Jallow commended the ECOWAS Court for selecting The Gambia as the host country for the 2023 international conference, marking a significant milestone for the nation. He assured Justice Asante of the unwavering dedication of The Gambia’s judiciary in contributing to the conference’s success and supporting the Court’s endeavors.
The ECOWAS Court’s upcoming international conference serves as a platform to reinforce the zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government within the West African region. With the participation of legal experts and scholars, the conference aims to comprehensively analyze the challenges posed by recent political events and propose effective measures to address them. The Court is grateful for the support of Chief Justice Jallow and The Gambia’s judiciary, highlighting the importance of collaboration to ensure the success of the conference and the enforcement of the regional court’s decisions.
