The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially endorsed Sierra Leone’s candidature for a seat on the International Court of Justice (ICJ), marking a significant diplomatic achievement for the country and strengthening its campaign for one of the world’s most prestigious judicial positions.
The endorsement was contained in Paragraph 73 of the Final Communiqué issued at the conclusion of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Lungi on 19 July 2026. In the communiqué, ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regional candidates for international positions and unanimously endorsed Sierra Leone’s bid for the ICJ judgeship for the 2027–2036 term.
The communiqué states that “the Authority welcomes the spirit of solidarity demonstrated by Member States in support of regional candidatures and endorses the candidature of the Republic of Sierra Leone for the position of Judge of the International Court of Justice for the period 2027-2036.”
The endorsement represents a unified position by the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government and is expected to significantly strengthen Sierra Leone’s campaign ahead of the election for judges of the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
Sierra Leone had in October 2024 officially endorsed Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh as its national candidate for election to the International Court of Justice. The nomination was announced by the country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations following his selection by the Sierra Leone National Group.
Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh, an internationally respected scholar and practitioner of international law, currently serves as the Founding Executive Director of the Center for International Law and Policy in Africa. He is also a longstanding member of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC), where he has held several leadership positions, including serving as Special Rapporteur on the determination of rules of international law.
In outlining his vision for serving on the World Court, Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh has pledged to uphold the rule of international law, provide judicial guidance on emerging global challenges such as climate change, cyber warfare and human rights, amplify the voices of Africa and the Global South in international jurisprudence and strengthen cooperation among international legal institutions.
The International Court of Justice, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, serves as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred by authorized UN organs and specialized agencies.
ECOWAS’ endorsement is expected to provide Sierra Leone with a stronger regional platform as the country seeks wider international support from United Nations Member States ahead of the ICJ elections. The backing also reflects growing confidence in Sierra Leone’s diplomatic engagement and its contribution to international law through Professor Dr. Charles C. Jalloh’s distinguished academic and professional record.
The development adds to Sierra Leone’s recent diplomatic successes, following its hosting of the 69th ECOWAS Summit and its continued efforts to enhance its influence within regional and global institutions. With the unanimous support of the West African bloc now secured, Sierra Leone’s campaign for the International Court of Justice enters a stronger phase as the country seeks to secure one of the world’s most influential judicial positions.
