The event came on the backdrop of a similar meeting held in February 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria, during which the Council set up of two committees and tasked to report to the plenary of the Council on critical issues of the Council.
The meeting was attended by Chief Justices of The Gambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, and Sierra Leone. It also attracted senior legal luminaries in the country.
Welcoming the gathering, Hussain Thomasi, Solicitor General of The Gambia, deputizing for the Minister of Justice, underscored the importance of the event, further acknowledging the gains made by the Chief Justice of The Gambia in the transformation of the judicial system of the country.
He also highlighted the pivotal role of the Council in fostering legal cooperation and ensuring access to justice in the sub region.
While highlighting the Council’s dedication to enhancing judicial efficiency and strengthening the legal framework across member states, Hussein reminded that the Council is committed to promoting respect for human rights within the sub-region.
Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the chairman of ECOWAS Judicial Council, expressed appreciation to be in The Gambia for the meeting of the sub-committee on Ecowas Judicial Council.
He recalled that the meeting of the Judicial Council that took place in Abuja, Nigeria between 20 – 22nd February, 2024, witnessed the setting up of two committees and tasked to report to the plenary of the Council on critical issues of the Council.
The said committee, he went on, was tasked to review the rules of procedure of the council and all related matters pertaining to the effective functioning of the council.
CJ Ariwoola equally informed that the outcome of this Banjul meeting will serves as an impetus in redoubling their efforts as a council to tackle the prevailing challenges of the Court of Justice and the judicial system of the community problems.
“The Ecowas Judicial Council places a crucial role in maintaining the rule of law and justice within our region.”
He maintained that the Judicial Council serves as guardian for the rule of law and protector of human rights within the region, saying it also play a crucial in resolution of disputes among member states, ensuring that conflicts are resolved peacefully in accordance with the rule of law.
For his part, Justice Hassan B. Jallow, Chief Justice of The Gambia, recalled that at the Ecowas Judicial Council meeting held in Abuja, Nigeria, it was observed that the Rules of Procedure of the Judicial Council were inadequate and needed to be reviewed and revised in line with promoting more effectively the mandate of the Council.
CJ Jallow reminded that the council accordingly constituted a five-member Committee comprising; Benin, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone to convene in Banjul to consider and submit recommendations to the council for the improvement of the rules of procedure of and the legal framework relating to the council.
He reminded that the Council also decided at its Abuja meeting to constitute another committee comprising Cabo Verde, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo to review the implementation or enforcement of the decisions of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice as well as enhance its operational efficiency.
The ECOWAS, he added, has today become a household name throughout sub-region and indeed well beyond.
“Conceived several decades ago by its Founding Fathers as an instrument for promoting economic integration in our region, and ultimately greater political cohesion and unity amongst its member states, the organization has matured and expanded its mandate beyond economic matters. It has distinguished itself in its peacekeeping operations and its emphasis on good governance, democracy, respect for the rule of law, and human rights as the foundation of the ultimate goal of integration, he further stated.
The CJ Jallow reminded that access to speedy and quality Justice by ECOWAS citizens is no doubt an important element of the good governance to which the organization is committed and which it is actively promoting in our region.
“It is thus imperative that we continue to strengthen the Judicial Council in its mandate and in that way improve the operational efficiency of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice which is today one of the most vibrant organs of the community.”
