The ECOWAS Court of Justice has unveiled its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, setting the stage for a more accessible and impactful legal system across West Africa. Launched over the weekend in Abuja, the roadmap represents a five-year commitment to making justice faster, fairer, and more closely aligned with the daily lives of citizens in the region.
At the launch, Court President Justice Ricardo Goncalves described the plan as a turning point, emphasizing that it is more than a formal announcement—it is a pledge to strengthen the court’s role as a cornerstone of regional stability. “This is not merely symbolic,” he said. “It signals our collective resolve to ensure the Court remains a guarantor of the rule of law and a vital promoter of justice across West Africa.”
Justice Goncalves highlighted the importance of the court’s staff and the technical expertise of its judges as the foundation of the strategy’s success. He called for a culture of accountability where decisions are consistent, processes are expedited, and the authority of the court is respected in all member states. He also urged civil society, legal networks, and development partners to support the court, noting that its impact is ultimately measured by the enforcement of its decisions on the ground.
Deputy Registrar Marie Saine welcomed attendees by pointing out the extensive thought and planning that shaped the 2026–2030 framework. She explained that the strategy rests on five key goals: ensuring timely and impartial justice, expanding access and legal empowerment, promoting regional integration and human rights protection, enhancing transparency and stakeholder engagement, and strengthening institutional capacity and governance.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice acts as the judicial arm of the regional bloc, tasked with upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and fostering legal harmonization among member states. With this strategic plan, the court is positioning itself not just as a legal authority, but as a visible and accessible pillar of justice for all West Africans.
