A decisive oath ceremony sets the stage for renewed regional justice
Five magistrates took a decisive step on 6 October 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria, formally joining the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Among them is Désiré Henri Aihou of Benin. Each begins a four-year term that cannot be renewed.
The new judges are Awa Bah of The 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.
A court built to uphold community law
The ECOWAS Court of Justice ensures the interpretation and application of regional texts. It can hear disputes over member states’ compliance with their obligations and complaints concerning human rights violations within its jurisdiction. In this way, it helps enforce regional law and offers a judicial remedy in matters covered by its mandate.
An oath anchored in independence and integrity
During the swearing-in, the magistrates committed to carrying out their duties with independence, impartiality, and integrity. They pledged to fulfil their mission “with complete impartiality” and to preserve the confidentiality of deliberations.
These commitments underscore the demand for independence placed on 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.
What the new bench means for citizens and states
The arrival of this new team marks a milestone in the court’s renewal. For litigants and member states alike, the challenge will be to see the institution continue delivering impartial rulings and keeping alive the legal commitments made within the West African community.
