ECOWAS Court Strengthens Cooperation with Raoul Wallenberg Institute

The ECOWAS Court of Justice, on February 20, 2025, received a delegation from the Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI), led by its Regional Director for Africa, Ms. Rakel Larsen. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Conference on Human Rights and Climate Change, organised by RWI in Abuja, Nigeria from February 19 to 21, 2025. The discussions focused on the key priorities of the ongoing partnership and joint activities planned for the 2025-2026 period.

Dr. Athanase Atannon, Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court, representing the President, emphasised the importance of this cooperation, which was initiated in 2017, and the need to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He commended RWI’s commitment to strengthening the Court’s judicial capacity.

In her remarks, Ms. Rakel Larsen expressed her appreciation for the warm reception extended to her delegation and reaffirmed RWI’s dedication to the partnership. She highlighted the crucial role of judicial dialogue among the three African Courts—the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the East African Court of Justice, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

Among the planned initiatives are the organisation of a study visit, the establishment of a cooperation framework between the registries of the three African Courts, and the convening of the third judicial dialogue in 2026. RWI also proposed support for the Court’s library by providing documentary resources. Both parties also agreed to explore additional activities to deepen their collaboration. The Court will assess the implementation modalities of these projects in reaffirmation of its commitment to strengthening community justice. The meeting concluded with a shared determination to continue this strategic cooperation.