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The Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda who also serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council has formally welcomed the President and delegation of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice during their official visit to Sierra Leone.
The meeting took place at the Main Law Courts Building in Freetown and reflects the deepening collaboration between Sierra Leone’s judiciary and regional justice institutions under ECOWAS. The visit underscores the commitment to strengthening judicial cooperation, promoting rule of law, and advancing access to justice across West Africa.
As host of the distinguished delegation, Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Alpha Sesay played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue and fostering mutual understanding between the national and regional judicial authorities. He emphasized that the meeting between the President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, and the Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda marks a significant first time meet.
The Attorney General explained that the visit was not only a diplomatic milestone but also a strategic opportunity to deliberate on key issues concerning the mandate and operational framework of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice. The exchange sought to foster greater alignment and collaboration across regional judicial bodies, reinforcing a shared commitment to justice and legal integration within ECOWAS member states.
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Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda said the discussions served to strengthen institutional ties and underscore the importance of cohesive legal systems in upholding democratic governance and regional stability across the ECOWAS bloc. During his address, Hon. Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, conveyed sincere congratulations to Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda on his recent appointment as Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council. He further extended commendation to His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, on assuming the esteemed role of Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
Justice Gonçalves praised the leadership of Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda and President Dr. Julius Maada Bio in their new ECOWAS roles. He affirmed the need to resolve Sierra Leone’s pending cases and strengthen judicial cooperation across ECOWAS.
Justice Sengu Koroma, Vice President of the ECOWAS Court, emphasized on the crucial role of the ECOWAS Judicial Council in governance, the urgent need for legal capacity building within Sierra Leone’s Law Officers’ Department, concerns about inadequate training of Sierra Leonean lawyers for ECOWAS Court litigation and a recommendation for a national program to engage judges more actively in ECOWAS related matters.
Attorney General Alpha Sesay reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to addressing unresolved cases before the ECOWAS Court. He also shared that Justice Gonçalves would meet President Bio to discuss justice priorities across the subregion.
Chief Justice Kamanda welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the concerns raised. He committed to improving Sierra Leone’s legal representation and preventing future procedural dismissals, pledged ongoing support for the ECOWAS Court and promised to lead with openness and reform. He Introduced Hon. Justice Emmanuel Eku Roberts, Vice President of the Commonwealth Judges and Magistrates Association in West Africa and announced continued engagements throughout the delegation’s visit.
