President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Edward Asante, has pledged the Court’s commitment to collaborating with the ECOWAS Parliament. This commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the new Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, to the Court’s headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
Justice Asante emphasized the enduring partnership between the Court and the Parliament, highlighting the symbolic nature of the Speaker’s visit, which came shortly after her investiture. “This visit symbolizes the solidarity and mutual respect that have characterized our institutions over the past five years,” he stated. Asante noted that both institutions have consistently supported each other’s programs and initiatives, reinforcing their commitment to ongoing cooperation.
The President of the Community Court underscored the importance of continued collaboration, particularly in the exchange of resources and expertise, such as interpreters and translators, to enhance the operational efficiency of both institutions. He mentioned that there are ongoing discussions aimed at strengthening the independence of the ECOWAS Parliament through direct elections of its members. Asante assured that the Court fully supports these efforts, emphasizing that a strong and independent Parliament is crucial for enacting effective laws that benefit the community and promote deeper regional integration.
In her response, Memounatou Ibrahima, who is the first female Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed the Parliament’s dedication to maintaining a collaborative relationship with the Community Court. “The Parliament and the Court of Justice share a mission to promote rights within our community, and we are committed to continuing this important work,” Ibrahima said. She also highlighted the importance of the Court’s support in capacity building for the Parliament and in addressing the challenge of instituting direct elections for ECOWAS deputies.
Both leaders expressed optimism about the future of ECOWAS, recognizing the crucial roles their respective institutions play in fostering unity, promoting justice, and ensuring prosperity across the West African region.