The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to convene an international conference in Dakar, Senegal, to confront some of the most pressing challenges facing the regional judicial system, including the enforcement of its judgments, human rights protection, artificial intelligence, data protection and the proposed creation of an appellate chamber.
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The conference, scheduled to hold from September 21 to 26, 2026, will bring together senior judicial and government officials from ECOWAS Member States, heads of ECOWAS institutions, heads of national courts, legal practitioners, academics, civil society organisations, development partners, international organisations and members of the media.
According to a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the conference is themed “ECOWAS Court of Justice at the Crossroads: Justice, Innovation, Human Rights Protection and the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa.”
The Court said the gathering comes at a critical period for both the Community Court and the broader ECOWAS integration project and is intended to provide a platform for reflection on how regional justice can respond more effectively to emerging legal and institutional challenges.
“The Conference will bring together senior judicial and government officials of ECOWAS Member States, Heads of ECOWAS Institutions, Heads of national courts, legal practitioners, academics, civil society organisations, development partners, international organisations, members of the press, among other key stakeholders,” the statement said.
According to the Court, discussions will not be limited to identifying problems but will seek practical solutions capable of strengthening the effectiveness and accessibility of regional justice.
“It will provide a platform for deep reflection, dialogue and collective action on how regional justice can respond effectively to emerging challenges while strengthening human rights protection and embracing innovation,” it said.
A major issue expected to receive attention is the enforcement of judgments of the ECOWAS Court and compliance with its decisions, an area that has remained central to discussions about the effectiveness of the regional judicial institution.
The conference will feature seven thematic sessions examining human rights jurisprudence, judgment enforcement and compliance, artificial intelligence and data protection, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, the proposed appellate chamber, environmental justice, as well as refugee protection and forced displacement.
Participants will also consider how technology and digital innovation are reshaping the administration of justice and the protection of personal information within the region.
The Court said discussions on artificial intelligence and data protection would form part of a broader examination of how regional judicial institutions can embrace technological innovation without compromising fundamental rights and established legal safeguards.
Another significant subject is the proposed appellate chamber of the ECOWAS Court, which will be considered alongside questions about the future structure and effectiveness of the regional judicial system.
The conference will equally explore the potential for arbitration and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to provide new pathways for resolving regional commercial disputes.
Environmental justice, refugee protection and forced displacement will also feature prominently as the Court and other stakeholders examine emerging legal challenges confronting West African countries.
“Discussions will also focus on strengthening human rights protection, enhancing enforcement of Court decisions, advancing digital innovation, addressing emerging environmental and displacement challenges, and exploring new pathways for regional commercial dispute resolution,” the statement said.
The programme will comprise plenary sessions, expert panel discussions, roundtables and an exhibition, with emphasis on knowledge-sharing, institutional partnerships and the development of practical measures for strengthening regional justice delivery.
“Through plenary sessions, expert panel discussions, roundtables and an exhibition, the Conference will promote knowledge-sharing, partnerships and practical solutions for strengthening regional justice delivery,” the Court added.
Beyond the discussions, the conference is expected to produce an outcome document containing actionable recommendations and strategic priorities for the future of the ECOWAS Court and the wider regional integration process.
The Court said it was prepared to welcome participants to Dakar for what it described as an important dialogue aimed at developing “a more effective, accessible, innovative and human rights-centred regional justice system.”
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