The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with the Government of The Gambia, has moved a step closer to reshaping regional justice and dispute resolution mechanisms.
From August 29 to 30, 2025, ECOWAS Ministers of Justice convened in Banjul after four days of technical deliberations by regional experts. The high-level meeting focused on validating two key instruments of the Community Court of Justice: the Draft Harmonised Protocol and the Draft Arbitration Rules.
According to participants, the adoption of these legal frameworks marks a historic milestone in strengthening the mandate of the Community Court of Justice. The proposed Arbitration Rules are expected to create a credible regional mechanism for commercial dispute resolution, boosting investor confidence and supporting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Meanwhile, the Harmonised Protocol is designed to align the Court’s operations with the Revised ECOWAS Treaty and the authority of Heads of State and Government.
Once fully endorsed, the instruments will be presented to the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for adoption. Their implementation is projected to enhance human rights protection, promote the rule of law, and advance regional integration across West Africa.
