Sierra Leone to Host ECOWAS Judicial Council Conference for the First Time
The Judiciary of Sierra Leone is set to host the prestigious ECOWAS Judicial Council Conference 2026 for the first time, marking a major milestone in the country’s judicial history.
The high-level meeting will take place from April 20 to 24, 2026, at the Atlantic Hotel, located along Lumley Beach in Freetown.
The five-day conference is expected to bring together approximately 12 Chief Justices, 15 Judges, and other distinguished judicial officials from across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.
The meeting will be held under the chairmanship of Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, Komba Kamanda, further highlighting the country’s leadership role within the regional judicial framework.
The ECOWAS Judicial Council serves as a vital platform for promoting judicial cooperation, strengthening the rule of law, and enhancing the administration of justice among member states.
Hosting the conference underscores Sierra Leone’s growing prominence in regional judicial reform and its commitment to advancing judicial independence, accountability, and cross-border legal collaboration.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Chief Justice Kamanda described the event as a significant national and institutional milestone.
“The hosting of the ECOWAS Judicial Council Meeting in Sierra Leone marks a significant milestone not only for our Judiciary but for the entire nation. It reflects our collective commitment to strengthening judicial institutions across the region, fostering cooperation among our courts, and advancing the rule of law as the cornerstone of democratic governance and sustainable development in West Africa,” he stated.
Deliberations during the conference will focus on key issues affecting the judiciary across the region, including judicial independence and emerging challenges in the administration of justice.
The Judiciary of Sierra Leone has expressed readiness to welcome delegates and facilitate meaningful discussions aimed at advancing justice systems throughout the ECOWAS region.
