ECOWAS Court President Launches Inaugural Moot Court Competition to Foster Regional Legal Integration and Youth Empowerment

The President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, on June 11, 2025, officially launched the inaugural edition of the ECOWAS Court Moot Court Competition at a ceremony held today at Zuma Rock Resorts, Niger State of Nigeria. The event brought together a distinguished gathering of judges, academics, legal professionals, university representatives, and ECOWAS officials for what is being hailed as a landmark initiative in advancing legal education and regional integration in West Africa.

In his opening address, Justice Gonçalves described the competition as “an important milestone in the strengthening of legal culture and regional integration within the Economic Community of West African States.” He emphasized that the event embodies far more than academic exercise, it is a strategic platform for building a more engaged, informed, and cohesive legal community across the ECOWAS region.

“As the principal judicial organ of ECOWAS,” he remarked, “the Court is not only tasked with delivering justice but also with fostering understanding and accessibility. This Moot Court Competition reflects our enduring commitment to public engagement and to nurturing the next generation of legal minds.”

The President highlighted the initiative’s aims, which include deepening participants’ knowledge of the ECOWAS Court’s mandate and its contributions to regional peace, human rights, and integration. He noted that the competition is also designed to sharpen the advocacy, research, and legal writing skills of aspiring lawyers, tools that are critical both in the courtroom and in public service. Another key goal is to raise awareness about the Court’s work throughout the region and to build public trust in regional justice mechanisms.

Finally, the event serves as a unique opportunity to foster meaningful connections among students, academics, legal practitioners, and ECOWAS institutions.

The theme of the 2025 competition, “Promoting Regional Integration and Human Rights through Judicial Processes in West Africa,” was described as both timely and transformative. “Regional integration is not solely an economic or political pursuit, it is also a legal one,” said the President. “It is built on institutions that are transparent, fair, and accessible to all.”

This pilot edition features eight Nigerian universities, selected from thirteen applicants based on their outstanding performance in the memorial submission stage. The President announced that the competition is intended to become an annual event, eventually expanding to include law faculties from all ECOWAS Member States.

Addressing the participants directly, Justice Gonçalves stated, “This is your moment. Be bold in legal reasoning, rigorous in your arguments, and always guided by ethics. This contest is not just about winning; it is about shaping jurists who are critical thinkers and champions of justice.”

The President also extended heartfelt appreciation to the ECOWAS Commission, the ECOWAS Parliament, the Nigerian Bar Association, participating law faculties, and other partners whose support has been instrumental in bringing the competition to fruition. He paid special tribute to the Organizing Committee, jury members, and Court staff, acknowledging their tireless efforts in making the event a success.

The ceremony ended with the official opening of the competition, which the President hopes will become a lasting tradition of promoting legal education and regional cooperation.

“May the best team win,” he concluded, “and may this competition inspire a new generation to uphold the ideals of justice, solidarity, and integration in West Africa.”