Five magistrates raised their hands and took the oath of office 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 from Benin. Each will serve a single four-year term that cannot be renewed.
The five judges and how they were chosen
The new bench comprises 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.
What the court actually does
The ECOWAS Court of Justice is responsible for interpreting and applying the community’s legal texts. It can hear disputes over whether member states have honoured their obligations, and it can receive complaints alleging human rights violations that fall within its jurisdiction. In practice, it acts as a regional judicial remedy for cases that meet its mandate.
The oath: independence, impartiality, integrity
During the ceremony, the magistrates pledged to carry out their duties with independence, impartiality and integrity. They promised to fulfil their mission ‘with complete impartiality’ and to keep deliberations confidential.
Those commitments underscore a core demand placed on judges: decisions must follow the law, free from political pressure or private interests. At the event, the serving ECOWAS chairman, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, urged them to protect the court’s credibility and maintain public trust.
Why this handover matters
The arrival of this new team marks a step in the court’s renewal. For citizens and member states alike, the test will be whether the institution continues to issue impartial rulings and keeps alive the legal commitments made within the West African community.
