Liberia’s Commitment to ECOWAS Justice System Applauded --As Foreign Minister Nyanti Welcomes Court Delegation

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 welcomed the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Hon. Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, and his distinguished delegation to Liberia, marking the start of a week-long outreach and legal clinic from November 10–16, 2025.

In her opening statement, Minister Nyanti reaffirmed Liberia’s unwavering commitment to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its judicial institutions. She emphasized that Liberia, as a founding member of ECOWAS, continues to prioritize multilateral cooperation and the collective pursuit of peace, justice, and good governance across the region.

“Liberia is blessed to be a member of this Community, and we do not take the matters of ECOWAS lightly,” Minister Nyanti said. “As a founding member, we remain committed to multilateralism and the collective work that strengthens our regional family.”

Minister Nyanti proudly highlighted that Liberia remains the only ECOWAS Member State to have ratified all three foundational protocols of the ECOWAS Court of Justice those adopted in 1991, 2005, and 2007 a distinction that underscores the country’s leadership and dedication to the rule of law within the regional bloc.

“This is a source of pride for Liberia,” she added. “These are the narratives we must amplify to showcase our nation’s commitment to democracy, justice, and human rights.”

The Minister also emphasized the need to strengthen enforcement mechanisms of ECOWAS Court judgments, noting that effective collaboration among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary is vital to upholding regional legal obligations. She reaffirmed Liberia’s readiness to work closely with the ECOWAS Court to expand access to justice and ensure that the Court’s rulings are respected and implemented at the national level.

Minister Nyanti further spotlighted Liberia’s feminist foreign policy, highlighting that the country is the first on the African continent to formally adopt a gender-responsive diplomatic approach. She noted that placing women at the center of governance, diplomacy, and justice advocacy remains a hallmark of Liberia’s leadership.

“The role of Liberian women in peacebuilding and governance is historic,” she said. “We welcome the Court’s focus on women’s rights as part of this outreach program.”

In his remarks, President Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Liberia for their warm hospitality and exemplary leadership within ECOWAS. He explained that the purpose of the delegation’s visit is to sensitize national stakeholders on the mandate, procedures, and enforcement mechanisms of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, particularly its growing role as a regional human rights court.

“Liberia stands out as the only country to have ratified all the Court’s protocols,” President Gonçalves noted. “We also have data confirming Liberia’s strong record in enforcing ECOWAS decisions. We are encouraged and deeply appreciative of this leadership.”

The ECOWAS Court President lauded Liberia’s efforts in promoting the rule of law and described the country as a model of compliance and regional cooperation. He expressed optimism that the ongoing outreach mission will deepen collaboration between the Court and national institutions in advancing access to justice and public understanding of ECOWAS legal instruments.

The outreach and legal clinic, which forms part of ECOWAS’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, includes town hall meetings, judicial dialogues, legal aid clinics, and media engagements. These activities will engage lawyers, judges, law students, civil society organizations, government officials, and the general public.

A special forum for lawyers and law students is scheduled to be held at the University of Liberia on November 13, while the Legal Clinic will take place at the Ministerial Complex from November 14–15.

Established under Articles 6 and 15 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty, the ECOWAS Court of Justice has four key mandates:

1. Interpretation of ECOWAS legal instruments;

2. Adjudication of administrative disputes within ECOWAS institutions;

3. Arbitration of regional matters; and

4. Protection of human rights.

Liberia’s hosting of this mission underscores its strategic role in promoting regional justice, integration, and governance reforms.

Concluding her remarks, Minister Nyanti linked the visit to the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, reaffirming that rule of law and institutional accountability are central pillars of Liberia’s national transformation agenda.

“Under President Boakai’s leadership, Liberia is committed to advancing justice, inclusion, and regional cooperation,” Minister Nyanti said. “We are ready to contribute meaningfully to the ECOWAS Court and to benefit from its structure in adjudicating issues relevant to our nation and our people.”