The future of regional justice and human rights protection in West Africa will come under scrutiny when the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) holds its 2026 International Conference in Dakar, Senegal.
The five-day conference, scheduled for September 21 to 25, will bring together senior judicial and government officials from ECOWAS Member States, heads of regional and national courts, legal practitioners, academics, civil society organisations, development partners and other stakeholders.
The conference is being held on the theme: “ECOWAS Court of Justice at the Crossroads: Justice, Innovation, Human Rights Protection and the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa.”
According to a statement issued in Accra, the conference comes at an important juncture for the regional court and the wider integration agenda.
It said the gathering would provide an opportunity for participants to assess how regional justice systems could respond to emerging challenges while improving human rights protection and adapting to technological developments.
Seven areas of focus
The conference will feature seven thematic sessions covering issues considered critical to the future of regional justice.
They include human rights jurisprudence, enforcement and compliance with court decisions, artificial intelligence and data protection, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, the proposed appellate chamber, environmental justice, and refugee protection and forced displacement.
The discussions are expected to examine ways of strengthening human rights protection, improving compliance with decisions of the ECOWAS Court and using digital innovation to enhance justice delivery.
Participants will also consider emerging environmental and displacement challenges and explore new approaches to resolving commercial disputes across the region.
The statement said the programme would combine plenary sessions, expert panel discussions, roundtable engagements and an exhibition to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences.
Outcome document expected
Beyond discussions, the conference is expected to generate practical recommendations to guide the future work of the ECOWAS Court and strengthen regional integration.
An Outcome Document will be produced to set out strategic priorities for the Court and the broader regional justice system.
The conference will therefore provide a platform for judicial and legal stakeholders to consider how the ECOWAS Court can become more effective, accessible and responsive to the changing needs of citizens and institutions across West Africa.
The Court is expected to welcome participants from across the region and beyond to Dakar for the dialogue on the future of regional justice, human rights and integration.
