Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma of Sierra Leone has been elected Vice President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, following a vote by the college of judges on October 14, 2024. Justice Koroma succeeds Hon. Justice Gberi-bè Ouattara in this role.
The election took place at the court’s headquarters in Abuja. In his new capacity, Justice Koroma will assist in overseeing the court’s judicial activities, which are pivotal in interpreting and enforcing the ECOWAS treaty across member states.
Hon. Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves of Cabo Verde was also elected as President of the ECOWAS Court during the same session. In his inaugural speech, Justice Gonçalves emphasized the court’s commitment to justice delivery and fostering cooperation among member states. He highlighted the court’s key role in resolving disputes, addressing human rights violations, and offering legal opinions to maintain peace and legal stability within the West African region.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice serves as a crucial mechanism for the interpretation of community law and the peaceful resolution of conflicts among member states, ensuring that the principles of fairness and justice are upheld across West Africa.