RismadarVoice Reporters
September 19, 2026
The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will hold its 2026 International Conference in Dakar, Senegal, from 21 to 25 September.
The five-day meeting will bring together judicial officers, government representatives, lawyers, academics and other stakeholders to discuss the future of regional justice and integration in West Africa.
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.”
According to the organisers, participants will include senior judicial and government officials from ECOWAS member states, heads of national and regional courts, legal practitioners, academics, civil society organisations, development partners, international organisations and media representatives.
The organisers said the conference comes at an important stage in the evolution of the court and the wider regional integration project.
They said the meeting would provide an opportunity to examine emerging challenges facing regional justice, strengthen human rights protection and explore ways of improving cooperation among West African states.
Seven thematic sessions have been scheduled for the conference.
They will focus on human rights jurisprudence; enforcement and compliance with decisions of the ECOWAS Court; artificial intelligence and data protection; arbitration and alternative dispute resolution; the proposed appellate chamber; environmental justice; and refugee protection and forced displacement.
Participants are expected to discuss ways of improving compliance with judgments of the regional court and strengthening mechanisms for protecting human rights.
The sessions will also examine the opportunities and risks presented by digital technologies, as well as legal challenges arising from environmental degradation, displacement and commercial disputes.
The organisers said the programme would feature plenary sessions, expert panels, roundtable discussions and an exhibition designed to encourage knowledge-sharing and partnerships among participants.
The conference is expected to produce recommendations on strengthening the regional justice system.
According to the organisers, the meeting will conclude with an Outcome Document setting out strategic priorities for the future development of the ECOWAS Court and the regional integration process.
Participants will also consider measures to make regional justice more accessible, responsive to human rights concerns and adaptable to emerging legal and technological challenges across West Africa.
