By Fatima Kpaka
Sierra Leone – February 9, 2026: A high-level delegation from the ECOWAS Court of Justice, led by its President, Hon. Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Goncalves, paid a courtesy call on the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to discuss judicial cooperation and the execution of the Court’s judgments within member states.
The visit, part of the Court’s 50th anniversary tour, aims to strengthen bilateral obligations and raise awareness about the importance of adhering to ECOWAS Court rulings. Sierra Leone was the first stop, with subsequent visits planned for Guinea and Nigeria.
Hon. Justice Goncalves highlighted the Court’s challenges, noting that only one of 18 cases had been fully executed, with six adjourned and 11 pending. He stressed that member states’ compliance with judgments remains the Court’s biggest obstacle and called on Sierra Leone’s Parliament to support efforts to improve execution.
Speaker Thomas welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to peace and regional cooperation. Drawing on his two decades of legal practice, he emphasized that “a court that fails to execute its judgments is not a court,” urging the ECOWAS Court to intensify engagement with executive branches of governments to find solutions. He assured that the Sixth Parliament would provide full support through legislative instruments that strengthen the Court’s effectiveness.
The meeting concluded with a presentation of a gift to Speaker Thomas and a photo session, symbolizing the deepening of ties between Sierra Leone and the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
The visit underscores the importance of regional cooperation, judicial excellence, and the need for member states to uphold ECOWAS Court judgments to ensure justice and strengthen the rule of law across West Africa.