Five judges were sworn in on 6 October 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria, marking a decisive turning point for the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Among them is Désiré Henri Aihou from Benin. They begin a four-year term that cannot be renewed.
A new bench ready to uphold regional law
The incoming judges are Awa Bah of Gambia, Charlyne M. Brumskine of Liberia, Henrietta Uzoamaka Didigu of Nigeria, Yaouza Ouro-Sama of Togo, and Désiré Henri Aihou of Benin. Their appointment was confirmed during the 69th ordinary summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held on 19 July 2026 in Sierra Leone.
What the court does
The ECOWAS Court of Justice ensures the interpretation and application of community texts. It can hear disputes over member states’ compliance with their obligations and complaints regarding human rights violations within its jurisdiction. In this way, it helps uphold regional law and provides judicial recourse in cases that fall under its mandate.
Oath of independence and impartiality
During the swearing-in, the judges committed to performing their duties with independence, impartiality and integrity. They pledged to carry out their mission “with complete impartiality” and to preserve the confidentiality of deliberations.
These commitments underscore the independence required of judges: their decisions must be guided by law, free from political pressure or private interests. At the ceremony, the current ECOWAS chairman, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, urged them to protect the court’s credibility and public trust.
A pivotal moment for the court’s renewal
The arrival of this new team marks a step in the court’s renewal. For litigants and member states alike, the challenge will be to see the institution continue to deliver impartial rulings and keep alive the legal commitments made within the West African community.
