By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has unveiled a reform-driven agenda for the ECOWAS Judicial Council as he officially assumed his role as Chairman. Speaking at the launch of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the ECOWAS Court of Justice on October 2, 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria, Justice Komba Kamanda emphasized the need to modernize judicial structures, strengthen regional cooperation and expand access to justice across West Africa.
Addressing dignitaries on the theme: “The ECOWAS Court and International Law: Expanding Access and Navigating Contemporary Challenges,” the Chief Justice outlined key priorities for his tenure. These include updating the procedural rules governing the Court, ensuring the full implementation of the Council’s arbitration mandate and laying the groundwork for the establishment of an Appellate Court within the ECOWAS judicial framework.
Chef Justice Komba Kamanda stressed that closer collaboration between the ECOWAS Court of Justice and the ECOWAS Judicial Council is vital to the effective delivery of justice across member states. According to him, harmonized procedures and stronger institutional linkages would enhance the credibility and efficiency of the region’s legal systems.
“This occasion should inspire judicial officers to explore innovative approaches to making the justice system more accessible, user-friendly and cost-effective,” he noted. He further described the start of the new legal year not only as a ceremonial event but also as a period of reflection and renewal for the judiciary.
He called for recommitment to the fundamental principles of justice, fairness, accountability, equity and the rule of law; values he described as the “bedrock of human dignity, good governance and democracy.”
In what he described as a landmark occasion, Justice Komba Kamanda revealed that this year’s opening ceremony was the first of its kind to be organized by the ECOWAS Court of Justice. “I am told and I verily believe that this is the inaugural ceremony organized by the ECOWAS Court to mark the beginning of a new Judicial Year,” he remarked, adding that the tradition would help elevate the visibility and legitimacy of regional judicial institutions.
The event drew high-level representation, including the President of Cape Verde, His Excellency José Maria Pereira Neves, whose presence underscored the political significance attached to the judicial year’s commencement. Justice Komba Kamanda also extended appreciation to the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Honourable Justice Ricardo C.M. Gonçalves and his team for their efforts in staging the successful ceremony.
Accompanying the Chief Justice from Sierra Leone were senior members of the judiciary: Honourable Justices Mangeh Fana Deen Tarawally (JSC), Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi (JSC), Tonia Barnett (JA) and Khalila Diana Kamara (J).
On October 3, the Chief Justice and his delegation paid a courtesy call on Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Dr. Julius Sandy, at the country’s High Commission in Abuja. The meeting further highlighted Sierra Leone’s growing leadership role in regional governance.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Julius Sandy introduced his diplomatic staff and reiterated the High Commission’s responsibility not only in fostering strong bilateral ties with Nigeria but also in overseeing Sierra Leone’s diplomatic engagements with six other accredited countries; Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Niger, Benin, Cameroon, Angola and the Central African Republic.
In response, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda expressed deep gratitude for the support and hospitality extended by the High Commissioner and his team. “From the day you received us at the airport, you have been with us every step of the way. We are truly grateful for your support,” he said.
The Chief Justice disclosed that his engagements in Nigeria would also include high-level meetings with the Chief Justice of Nigeria and officials of the National Judicial Institute at the Mohammed Bello Centre, aimed at strengthening bilateral judicial cooperation and knowledge sharing.
Justice Komba Kamanda’s leadership at the ECOWAS Judicial Council comes at a time when Sierra Leone is increasingly asserting its influence on the international stage, particularly within multilateral organizations. The country has been at the forefront of advocating for judicial reforms, stronger democratic governance and Africa’s increased voice in global decision-making.
Observers note that Chief Justice Komba Kamanda’s reform agenda, particularly the proposed establishment of an Appellate Court and the strengthening of arbitration mechanisms, could significantly enhance the effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court system. For Sierra Leone, his chairmanship represents both national pride and a platform to shape justice delivery across the region.
The 2025/2026 legal year begins with high expectations that the reforms spearheaded under Justice Komba Kamanda’s leadership will leave a lasting legacy in building a stronger, fairer and more accessible regional judicial system.
