Connect with us

News

ECOWAS Court Restates Commitment to Protection of Human Rights

Published

2 months ago

on

ECOWAS Court Restates Commitment to Protection of Human Rights

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice has restated its unwavering commitment to the protection of human rights and human dignity across West Africa region.

The commitment was given on Wednesday at an occasion hosted by the court to commemorate the 2025 International Human Rights Day, with the theme “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essential”, with legal scholars and jurists emphasizing the Court’s growing influence in shaping human rights jurisprudence in the region.

Prof. Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan emphasized that Human Rights Day is not merely a ceremonial event but a deliberate moment for nations and institutions to reflect on their progress in protecting human rights.

He said: “Every year we commemorate Human Rights Day as a point of reflection,not to recount what civil and political rights are, nor what socio-economic or third-generation rights like the right to development are ,but to underscore the impact of the ECOWAS Court of Justice’s contribution to the development of human rights experience on member states, community citizens, Africa, and even globally.”

He stressed that states in the ECOWAS region often rush to sign and ratify human rights treaties fully, yet drag their feet during implementation.

He noted that: “Promotion and protection of human rights is not a charity work by member states or national governments; it is not optional. It is first a constitutional obligation and second, a treaty obligation. Our governments are always in a hurry to sign and ratify every human rights treaty, but when it comes to implementation, the same governments or their agencies begin to provide grounds for resistance.”

Ladan emphasized that ECOWAS cannot function effectively if member states undermine the institutions established to protect citizens’ rights.

He said: “You cannot be part of a regional economic integration agenda like that of ECOWAS, set up regional institutions to take decisions for and on your behalf and on behalf of your citizens, and then fail to commit to their effective performance. Member states voluntarily join ECOWAS because they believe there are benefits, and therefore they must strengthen and respect institutions such as the ECOWAS Court of Justice.”

He highlighted that human rights obligations to protect against discrimination, marginalization, and exploitation are embedded in constitutions and treaties that West African countries have adopted.

He added that: “It is not a charity when national governments put mechanisms in place to protect vulnerable groups against disadvantage, discrimination, and marginalization.

“These obligations are found in our constitutions and in the treaties we have signed and ratified. When citizens feel a sense of non-discrimination, equality, and equal opportunities, it forms the basis for peace and security and the betterment of all.”

He noted that the 2005 Supplementary Protocol, which grants individuals direct access to the Court without exhausting local remedies, has transformed the Court into a powerful human rights tribunal.

He said: “Direct access for individuals introduced through the 2005 Supplementary Protocol has led to about 90% of the ECOWAS Court’s cases being human rights related. This statistical reality shows the Court’s importance as a forum for redress, where citizens and civil society actors can come when national systems fail or delay justice.”

Ladan explained that the ECOWAS Court’s influence extends beyond rulings; it shapes national reforms, applies global human rights standards, and empowers civil society.

He said: “The Court has issued landmark judgments,from modern slavery cases to the right to education and freedom of expression which now influence legal thinking across the globe. It applies a wide range of regional and international human rights instruments in its judgments, effectively domesticating and enforcing global standards within the West African context. These are measurable indicators of its impact.”

He stressed the indivisibility of rights, explaining that the enjoyment of socio-economic rights is essential to human dignity and the realization of other rights.

“You cannot meaningfully enjoy the right to life when you are deprived of the right to health, the right to human dignity, or the right to a clean and healthy environment. The Court has consistently ruled that ongoing violations of socio-economic rights whether education, health, or environmental protection,are not barred by time limits. This has been a major win for victims over the last seven to eight years.”

Ladan warned that widespread poverty, weak social safety nets, and corruption across West Africa continue to undermine citizens’ ability to enjoy their fundamental rights particularly socio-economic rights.

He emphasized that without political will and accountability, human rights progress will remain slow.

“Poverty undermines the exercise of human rights because many poor people are not covered by any form of social safety net. Statistics in West Africa are not favorable many community citizens still grapple with poverty.

National governments must demonstrate real political will and cooperate in stamping out corruption so that resources can be freed to provide essential socio-economic infrastructure for citizens. If you deprive any group of their everyday essentials, you deny them progress and development.”

On his part, the Honourable President of ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, emphasized that Human Rights Day is rooted in the historic adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, reminding all nations that fundamental freedoms belong to every human being, regardless of identity or circumstance.

“December 10 is symbolic because more than 70 years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was enacted. It was the first global expression of the rights that everyone should enjoy, regardless of where they were born, the circumstances of their birth, their gender, race or any other factor.

On this day, we reflect on our common humanity and the challenges we face to build a community where everyone can enjoy the rights granted by God and God’s Son without discrimination.”

The President stressed that human rights are not theoretical concepts but necessary conditions that allow individuals to live with dignity.

He noted that many West Africans still lack basic needs such as education, food, healthcare, and justice.

“Human rights are not abstract ideals, but a necessity for all individuals to live a free and meaningful existence. Across our community, many still struggle for access to the essentials of life adequate food, drinking water, education, healthcare, housing, a healthy environment, and access to justice. These shortfalls remind us why the defence of human rights remains urgent and relevant.”

Hon. Justice Gonçalves recalled that ECOWAS Heads of State adopted the 2005 Human Rights Protocol to ensure that individuals could seek justice before the regional court. Since then, the Court has significantly shaped rights protection in the region.

“It was with the aim of protecting the individual voice that the Authority of Heads of State and Government adopted the 2005 Human Rights Protocol, granting this Court the mandate to hear cases of human rights violations. Since then, the Court has delivered several decisions covering the right to life, freedom of expression, education, work, unionisation, and a healthy environment, thereby aligning national laws and policies with human rights obligations assumed freely by member states.”

The President expressed deep concern over the persistent failure of some member states to implement the Court’s judgments. He warned that this undermines the credibility of the Court and reduces human rights protection to mere symbolism.

“The Court is concerned that member states have not yet implemented most of its judgments. Without effective and sincere implementation, the promise of protection offered by the 2005 Protocol becomes a mirage. Rights must be real, not ideas on paper. Victims deserve genuine access to justice, and that requires states to apply our decisions fully so that reparations bring meaningful change to people’s lives.”

Hon. Justice Gonçalves highlighted the growing challenges in West Africa ranging from military coups to terrorism, shrinking civic spaces, weak judicial systems, and climate change,warning that these trends place millions at risk.

“Across our community, we witness military coups, attempted coups, the narrowing of civic space, terrorist insurgency, under-resourced national justice systems, and the increasing effects of climate change. These are serious threats. Member states have a duty to confront them and work with all stakeholders to ensure that everyone in our community can enjoy their human rights freely and without discrimination.”

The Court urged national governments, institutions, civil society, and the media to intensify cooperation with the ECOWAS Court to strengthen the regional human rights framework. He paid tribute to those who defend human dignity across West Africa.

“We appeal to all member states to renew their commitment to the ECOWAS legal framework, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and all international human rights instruments. National bodies, human rights commissions, and justice institutions must collaborate with the Court, while civil society, the media, and human rights defenders must be respected and protected. Today, we pay tribute to all who work tirelessly,often at great personal risk to uphold justice and the dignity of human life. Their dedication transforms the promises of international instruments into real human rights every day.”

Director of Research and Documentation, ECOWAS Court, Dr. Ousmane Diallo, noted that 2025 is the first time the Court has formally included this event in its official calendar of activities. He highlighted that this year’s commemoration serves as a reminder of 70 years of struggle in the fight for human rights.

“While much has been achieved, the journey is far from complete. Each of us must continue to work tirelessly to enforce these rights, recognizing that the fight for justice and dignity is a collective and ongoing responsibility.”

The General Statistics on cases and judgments implementation, as presented by Deputy Chief Registrar of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Mr. Guye Sowe, provided an overview of the Court’s statistics, highlighting both progress and challenges in enforcing judgments across member states.

According to Sowe, a total of 775 cases have been filed before the Court, with 492 judgments delivered and 116 cases still pending. Of the delivered judgments, 192 are enforceable, reflecting the work remaining to ensure implementation.

“More than half of the cases filed before this court get dismissed,” the Deputy Chief Registrar said, noting that 54% of the 419 judgments involving AES countries were dismissed for procedural or substantive reasons.

Enforcement of court decisions remains uneven. Nigeria leads in pending enforcement, with 125 cases filed, 67 dismissed, 10 enforced, and 50 yet to be enforced. Other countries facing significant enforcement challenges include Togo with 58 judgments, 26 dismissed, 29 unenforced, 1 partially enforced, 1 amicably settled, and 1 withdrawn; Guinea with 25 judgments, 7 dismissed, and 18 unenforced; Liberia with 15 judgments, 10 dismissed, 4 unenforced, and 1 enforced; Sierra Leone with 18 judgments, 6 dismissed, 11 unenforced, and 1 enforced; Senegal with 35 judgments, 23 dismissed, 9 unenforced, and 3 enforced; Benin with 19 judgments, 13 dismissed, and 6 unenforced; Cape Verde with 3 judgments, 2 dismissed, and 1 unenforced; and the ECOWAS Commission with 36 judgments, 18 dismissed, 14 enforced, 3 unenforced, and 1 amicably settled.

Mr. Sowe stressed that the total number of unenforced judgments across member states now stands at 153, underscoring the need for stronger mechanisms to ensure compliance.

“These numbers reflect both the growing trust in the ECOWAS Court and the work that remains. Member states must ensure that judgments are fully implemented so that human rights protections become a living reality for all citizens.”
End

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Nigeria-China Relations at 55: Dialogue Highlights Achievements, Strategic Opportunities, and Shared Future

Published

5 hours ago

on

February 11, 2026

By

Nigeria-China Relations at 55: Dialogue Highlights Achievements, Strategic Opportunities, and Shared Future

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and China marked 55 years of diplomatic relations on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, with a high-level dialogue at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), reflecting on past achievements and exploring opportunities for deeper cooperation across economic, cultural, and strategic sectors.

The event, themed “Nigeria-China at 55 and Beyond”, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, scholars, and private sector leaders. It featured remarks from the Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi II, IPCR Director-General Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, representatives from the Chinese Embassy, and the Centre for China Studies (CCS), highlighting the significance of the long-standing partnership.

In his welcome address, Dr. Ochogwu described the dialogue as a timely platform to assess the evolution of Nigeria-China relations, which have grown from diplomatic ties to a comprehensive partnership spanning infrastructure, trade, technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

“Partnerships such as Nigeria-China relations must be continually examined through the lens of peace, stability, and sustainable development,” Dr. Ochogwu said. He emphasized that sustainable development and durable peace are inseparable, noting that economic cooperation must be people-centered, conflict-sensitive, and aligned with national and regional stability goals.

Emir Sanusi II reflected on his personal connection to Nigeria-China relations, recalling that his father, Ambassador Aminu Sanusi, served as Nigeria’s first ambassador to China in 1971. He highlighted the strategic importance of deploying experienced diplomats to critical posts, urging policymakers to prioritize long-term national interests over prestige when determining postings.

“Diplomatic deployments must align with national interests, particularly in emerging geopolitical realities,” he said. Sanusi also stressed that while Chinese infrastructure projects are welcome, Nigeria must focus on domestic production and industrialization to fully leverage bilateral cooperation under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Representatives of the Chinese Embassy reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening strategic trust, advancing shared development, strengthening multilateral engagement, and promoting mutual learning among civilizations. They cited landmark achievements, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Zungeru Hydropower Station, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Natural Gas Pipeline, and railway modernization projects.

“Over 55 years, China and Nigeria have been trusted friends, supporting each other in national development and regional peace,” the Chinese delegation said. Bilateral trade surpassed USD 28 billion in 2025, a year-on-year increase of over 28 percent, while Chinese direct investment reached USD 690 million, up 103 percent from 2024. People-to-people ties, including educational exchanges, Confucius Institutes, and cultural festivals, were also highlighted as key pillars of the relationship.

The Centre for China Studies (CCS) underscored the historical context of the relationship, noting Nigeria’s early support for China’s seat at the United Nations in 1971 and the continued adherence to the One China Policy. CCS Director Charles Onunaiju emphasized that Nigeria is strategically positioned to benefit from China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and called for closer study of China’s governance and economic policies to inform national development strategies.

“Even though Nigeria and China have achieved much over the past 55 years, what lies ahead is even greater,” Onunaiju said, urging policymakers and scholars to focus on structural transformation, industrialization, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The dialogue concluded with calls for strengthened strategic engagement, alignment of development priorities, and enhanced people-to-people exchanges, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development, regional stability, and a long-term partnership between the two nations.

Nigeria-China Relations at 55: Dialogue Highlights Achievements, Strategic Opportunities, and Shared Future

Continue Reading

News

Owo Church Attack: 8th DSS Witness Corroborates 7th’s Testimony Identifying 2nd Defendant Al Quasim As Part of Bloodbath

Published

5 hours ago

on

February 11, 2026

By

Owo Church Attack: 8th DSS Witness Corroborates 7th’s Testimony Identifying 2nd Defendant Al Quasim As Part of Bloodbath

By: Our Reporter

An eight witness of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the ongoing trial of suspected attackers of the St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, in 2022, on Wednesday corroborated the Tuesday testimony of a 7th witness who identified one of the suspects as being part of those who carried out the attack.

Like the 7th DSS witness did on Tuesday, the 8th also identified the 2nd defendant, Al Quasim Idris, as being part of those who allegedly killed the worshippers.

The witness, an Amotekun operative, told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he was one of the officers who arrived in the church premises shortly after the attack. He identified Al Quasim Idris as one of those who, shortly after the attack, exchanged gunfire at close range with him in a nearby bush.

The DSS is prosecuting Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25 years), Al Qasim Idris (20 years), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26 years), Abdulhaleem Idris (25 years) and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47 years) over the June 5, 2022 attack on the church.

Earlier on Tuesday, another Amotekun officer, who is listed as the seventh witness of the DSS, in open court, identified Al Quasim Idris as one of those with whom he came face-to-face during a gunfight that ensued.

Led in evidence by the prosecuting lawyer, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), SSH, who is the eight prosecution witness (PW8), on Wednesday, gave details of how they trailed and tried to apprehend the attackers, resulting in the exchange of gunfire with Al Quasim Idris.

SSH said: “On June 5, 2022 as an operative of Amotekun, we received a distress call from the anti-kidnapping squad. We were on an anti-kidnapping mission when we received another call that there was an attack at the St. Francis Church, Owo.

“So, we were asked to withdraw and head to St Francis Church. On getting to the church, we met a crowd and managed to enter the premises.

“When we entered the church premises, we saw several dead bodies on the floor, both inside and around the church, including some injured people, including women and children,” he said.

The witness added: “We later came outside the church and learnt that the attackers were four in number and that they were the ones who zoomed off in a blue Nissan car as we were arriving.

“We got into our vehicle and started to trail them towards Ute Road, because that was the information we got. We were able to get close to them because our vehicle was better than the one they were in.”

SSH said at a point, “the attackers abruptly parked their car and ran into the bush. One of our men and a volunteer hunter went after them while the rest of us waited strategically.”

The witness said that it was during an intense gun battle with the attackers in the bush that he sighted Al Quasim Idris. He, however, added that the assailants succeeded in killing the volunteer hunter.

“We were able to get back to the bush to retrieve the body of the hunter,” the witness stated.

The Amotekun officer stated that they later took the Nissan car to their office before it was later moved to their state headquarters.

Under cross-examination by defence lawyer, Abdullahi Mohammad, the witness said he could not remember how many of them brought out the hunter’s corpse from the bush.

On whether they made efforts to identify the actual owner of the Nissan car, the witness said: “Before we moved the vehicle to the state headquarters at Akure, the owner came to our office to identify himself as the owner of the vehicle.”

When asked if they interviewed the owner of the vehicle, the witness said that was done in their office, but that he was not part of those who interviewed the owner of the car..

At the conclusion of the cross-examination, Adedipe prayed the court to grant a three consecutive day adjournment to enable the prosecution call its last set of witnesses and close its case.

The defence lawyer did not oppose, following which Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned till March 24, 25 and 26 for continuation of trial.

Owo Church Attack: 8th DSS Witness Corroborates 7th’s Testimony Identifying 2nd Defendant Al Quasim As Part of Bloodbath

Continue Reading

News

Bayelsa Deepens Angola Partnership, Moves to Activate MoU with Namibe Province

Published

9 hours ago

on

February 11, 2026

By

Bayelsa Deepens Angola Partnership, Moves to Activate MoU with Namibe Province

By: Michael Mike

Bayelsa State has stepped up efforts to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with Angola, as it moves to implement a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Namibe Province during the renewed Nigeria–Angola Bilateral Commission.

The partnership, which began with an exploratory visit to the Angolan coastal province of Namibe, has now entered an implementation phase, with both sides expressing commitment to translating agreements into tangible economic outcomes.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Duoye Diri, while receiving a delegation from Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço led by the Minister of State and Chief of the Civil House of the President of the Republic of Angola, Dionísio Manuel da Fonseca at Bayelsa House in Abuja on Wednesday, said the relationship between Bayelsa and Namibe was built on shared economic characteristics and strategic interests. The delegation included senior Angolan government officials and investment representatives.

He explained that the first visit to Namibe was exploratory, aimed at identifying areas of mutual interest. Namibe, like Bayelsa, is a coastal region with strong potential in aquaculture, fisheries, marine services and other blue economy sectors.

“Namibe is a coastal province like Bayelsa. We have a lot in common in terms of marine resources, fisheries and natural endowments. That informed our decision to foster closer cooperation,” the governor said.

The second engagement coincided with the Nigeria–Angola Bilateral Commission meeting — the first in over two decades, the last having been held in 2005. The high-level meeting was attended by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, federal government officials and representatives of subnational governments, including Nasarawa State.

It was during that session that Bayelsa State formally signed an MoU with Namibe Province, focusing broadly on economic development in sectors where both sides have comparative advantages. Nasarawa State also signed a separate agreement with another Angolan province.

The governor noted that although Nigeria and Angola have signed nearly 30 agreements over the years, many were not fully implemented. He described the renewed bilateral engagement as a deliberate effort to reverse that trend.

“What makes this engagement different is the emphasis on implementation. Many agreements were signed in the past but were not executed. This visit is a continuation of that renewed commitment to ensure that what we have signed does not remain on paper,” he stated.

Diri, while commending the Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria, Jose Bamoquina Zau, who was part of the visiting team for working diligently to sustain relations between both countries, acknowledged the role of Nigeria’s leadership in facilitating the revival of the bilateral commission.

The governor also disclosed that a planned reciprocal visit by the Governor of Namibe Province had been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, including the sudden loss of his deputy governor last year. He, however, expressed optimism that the visit would take place soon.

“We look forward to hosting the Namibe governor in Bayelsa so that we can further consolidate this partnership. Stronger ties between our states and provinces will ultimately strengthen relations between Nigeria and Angola,” he said.

Observers say the Bayelsa–Namibe cooperation reflects a growing trend of subnational diplomacy aimed at boosting intra-African trade, attracting investment and unlocking the economic potential of the continent’s coastal and resource-rich regions.

With both sides signaling readiness to move beyond ceremonial agreements, the partnership is expected to focus on practical collaboration in fisheries development, aquaculture expansion, marine infrastructure and broader economic exchange — positioning Bayelsa and Namibe as strategic gateways for enhanced South–South cooperation.

Bayelsa Deepens Angola Partnership, Moves to Activate MoU with Namibe Province

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights