Abuja: The ECOWAS Court of Justice on Wednesday launched a three-day training program for journalists from Member States to enhance the accuracy and public understanding of the Court’s mandate and jurisprudence. The training, taking place in Abuja, aims to create an effective network of journalists who regularly report on the Court’s activities, thus increasing its visibility across the sub-region.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Vice President of the Court, Justice Sengu Koroma, who represented the President of the Court, emphasized that public understanding of the Court’s mandate remains limited due to gaps in reportage. He explained, “The Community Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS, charged with the main function of interpreting and applying ECOWAS legal instruments. It promotes the Rule of Law and safeguards human rights of citizens and people in the ECOWAS sub-region.”
Justice Koroma highlighted the importance of accurate and responsible reporting to enable citizens to better understand the Court’s decisions and their implications. He stated, “To report judicial proceedings accurately, journalists must have a clear understanding of the court’s mandate, its jurisdiction, composition, and structure. They must distinguish between the pleadings of the parties and the findings of the court, based on evidence.”
He further warned against bias and sensationalism in judicial reporting, stressing the paramount importance of avoiding bias, misinformation, and disinformation when reporting on the Court’s decisions. He also called on journalists to use their platforms to engage Member States on compliance with the Court’s judgments, noting that the current judgment enforcement mechanism is below expectations.
Mrs. Marie Saine, the Court’s Deputy Chief Registrar, addressed the journalists, stating that the training marks the beginning of a more structured engagement between the Court and the media. She emphasized the crucial role journalists play in informing citizens and noted that the impact of any judicial institution cannot be measured solely by the number of cases it determines, but by how well it is understood.
Ms. Elohor Ovadje, Head of Division, Public Information and External Relations, pointed out that the training aligns with the Court’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030, under the slogan “Justice for All by 2030.” She mentioned that research has shown limited public understanding of the Court’s processes and impact, attributed to gaps in journalists’ knowledge of its legal framework and terminology.
Ovadje outlined the overall objective of the training: to create an effective network of journalists across ECOWAS who regularly report on the Court’s activities, thereby increasing visibility and public awareness. She listed expected outcomes such as improved quality and accuracy of reports, enhanced public awareness, and the establishment of a network of journalists specialized in judicial reporting.
The training will feature technical presentations, participatory sessions, and a live court session on Friday.