Abuja: The President of Cape Verde, Jos© Neves, has reiterated his country’s dedication to fostering community justice and enhancing regional integration within the West African sub-region. This declaration was made during the ECOWAS Court’s 2025/2026 Legal Year celebration, themed ‘ECOWAS Court and International Law: Expanding Access and Navigating Contemporary Challenges’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, President Neves emphasized the importance of law as a foundational element for societal order and international cooperation. He stressed that Cape Verde, as an island state and ECOWAS member, is committed to supporting initiatives that bolster community justice and regional cohesion.
President Neves highlighted Article 68 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty, which acknowledges the unique needs of island and landlocked states, advocating for differentiated treatment and support. He called for the principle to be fully implemented to transform these vulnerabilities into strategic advantages, contributing to the region’s prosperity.
The president underscored the importance of collective action and solidarity among West African leaders to effectively address the challenges of integration and community justice. He urged for exploration of cooperative measures with ECOWAS member states, even those distanced from the bloc, to promote reintegration when possible.
President Neves praised the ECOWAS Court as a vital institution ensuring legality, impartiality, and the preservation of citizens’ fundamental rights. He pointed out that the court serves as a sanctuary for citizens against arbitrariness and a fair platform for resolving inter-state disputes.
He further called on the ECOWAS Court to strengthen its role as a legal arbiter and a catalyst for promoting a political culture rooted in legality, transparency, and respect for international norms. He urged that community justice should inspire Africa to develop a rules-based order that emphasizes democracy and peace.
Earlier, ECOWAS Court President Justice Ricardo Gon§alves urged member states to recognize the court’s authority and enforce its judgments, noting that only about 30 per cent have been implemented. Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, also advocated for reforms to improve access to justice for community citizens and address contemporary challenges.