ECOWAS Court Convenes Dakar Conference on Justice, Innovation, Integration
ECOWAS Court of Justice opens its International Conference in Dakar, Senegal, running from September 21 to 26, 2026, under the theme "ECOWAS Court of Justice at the Crossroads: Justice, Innovation, Human Rights Protection and the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa." The event brings together senior judicial and government officials from ECOWAS member states, heads of ECOWAS institutions, national court heads, legal practitioners, academics, civil society, development partners, international organisations, and media.
The conference aims to produce actionable recommendations and an outcome document setting strategic priorities for the Court and regional integration. Seven thematic sessions will cover human rights jurisprudence, judgment enforcement, artificial intelligence, data protection, arbitration, the proposed appellate chamber, environmental justice, and refugee protection. Discussions will also focus on strengthening human rights protection, enhancing enforcement of Court decisions, advancing digital innovation, addressing environmental and displacement challenges, and exploring new pathways for regional commercial dispute resolution.
For Nigerians, the outcomes could affect access to justice across borders, the ease of doing business within ECOWAS, and protections for refugees and displaced persons. How might the Court’s innovations in AI and data protection influence your rights or business dealings in the region?