Sierra Leone Judges Attend ECOWAS Court Conference in Dakar on Judicial Reform
Two Supreme Court justices and a High Court judge from Sierra Leone are in Dakar representing Chief Justice Komba Kamanda at a regional judicial conference focused on justice reform, human rights, and institutional innovation in West Africa.
The delegation includes Supreme Court Justices Glenna Thompson and Manga Fana Deen-Tarawallie, alongside High Court Judge Augustine Kailey Musa, according to judicial officials.
They are attending the ECOWAS Court of Justice International Conference, which runs from Sept. 21–25, bringing together senior judges, legal experts, and judicial administrators from across the ECOWAS region and beyond.
The conference is being held under the theme: “ECOWAS Court of Justice at the Crossroads: Justice, Innovation, Human Rights Protection and the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa.”
Organisers say the meeting is examining how the regional court can respond to evolving legal, institutional, and technological challenges, including the growing demand for stronger human-rights protections and more effective regional justice systems.
Key discussions include the strengthening of human-rights jurisprudence within the ECOWAS Court of Justice and improving compliance with its judgments by member states.
Participants are also examining the impact of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and data protection on judicial administration and legal practice across West Africa.
Other agenda items include the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and arbitration to ease pressure on national courts, as well as proposed institutional reforms such as the possibility of introducing an appellate chamber for the ECOWAS Court.
The conference is also addressing environmental justice, the protection of refugees and displaced persons, and stronger cooperation between national judiciaries and the regional court.
Justice Thompson described the conference as a valuable professional engagement, saying it provides an opportunity to learn from regional peers and share experiences relevant to Sierra Leone’s justice system.
She said the issues discussed — including human rights enforcement, judicial modernization, and technology in courts — are directly relevant to ongoing efforts to improve judicial efficiency and access to justice in Sierra Leone.
Officials said the delegation is expected to return with insights and best practices aimed at strengthening judicial service delivery and deepening regional legal cooperation.