Freetown, 30 July 2025 – A high-level delegation from the Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS, led by its President, Hon. Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, and Vice-President, Hon. Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. The visit was to extend congratulations on his recent appointment as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS and to commend his continued support for the judiciary.

In his remarks, Hon. Justice Gonçalves expressed sincere appreciation to President Bio for the warm reception accorded to the delegation. He described the President’s appointment as a recognition of his “visionary leadership at home and a signal of trust in Sierra Leone’s continuing role in the regional integration agenda.”

“We are confident that your tenure will be marked by pragmatic leadership, deepened cooperation among Member States, and strengthened regional institutions,” Justice Gonçalves stated. “As the judicial organ of the Community, the ECOWAS Court stands ready to lend its full support to your office in ensuring that the rule of law, good governance, and human rights remain central to our integration efforts.” He further acknowledged the outstanding contributions of Sierra Leonean jurists to the Court’s jurisprudence.

In response, President Bio welcomed the delegation and reiterated the importance of the Community Court in promoting the rule of law and safeguarding human rights across the region. He also commended the Court’s role in providing facilitators for the capacity-building training of State law officers, assuring the Court of his government’s sustained support.

The Vice-President of the Court, Hon. Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, himself a Sierra Leonean, introduced the members of the delegation, which included senior legal officers and staff from the communication and protocol divisions. He noted that the invitation from the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Alpha Sesay, to provide training to State law officers reflected a commitment to institutional strengthening and continuous development. He assured the President of the quality and relevance of the capacity-building programme.

Speaking during the occasion, Attorney-General Alpha Sesay outlined his vision for improved State representation before the ECOWAS Court and thanked its leadership for equipping legal officers with essential knowledge and skills to enhance their performance in regional litigation.

The delegation also met with the Honourable Chief Justice of Sierra Leone and current Chairman of the ECOWAS Judicial Council, Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda. The Honorable Chief Justice advocated for the extension of the training initiative to benefit all legal officers across the country. He pledged continued support for the Court and reiterated his commitment to judicial reforms that will further strengthen the regional legal architecture.

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Honourable Minister H.E. Timothy Musa Kabba commended ECOWAS for its longstanding interventions in Sierra Leone and underscored the need for unity and solidarity among Member States, especially in light of recent regional developments. He thanked the Court’s leadership for the ongoing capacity-building initiative and for utilising ministry facilities to support the training.

In addition to these high-level engagements, the delegation also held meetings with key legal and justice sector officials, including Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Deputy Minister of Justice Saptieu Saccoh, Solicitor-General Robert Kowa Esq., and Director of Public Prosecution Osman Ibrahim Kanu Esq. The visit reaffirmed the ECOWAS Court’s commitment to fostering regional collaboration, enhancing legal capacity, and supporting Member States in the pursuit of justice, governance, and regional stability.