Justice Asante, in his opening remarks, expressed gratitude to the Cape Verdean authorities for their hospitality and support. He highlighted the Court’s recent sensitization missions in Lomé and Accra and reflected on the history and mandate of the ECOWAS Court, established under the Lagos Treaty of 1975 and operational since 2001. He emphasized the Court’s expanded jurisdiction since 2005 to adjudicate human rights cases, underscoring its role in promoting fundamental rights, the rule of law, and good governance.
Justice Asante discussed the Court’s digitalization efforts, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the 2020 Practice Directions on Electronic Case Management and Virtual Court Sessions. These initiatives have reduced litigation costs and improved access to justice. The new ECMS allows for electronic filing, service, and management of cases, making the Court more efficient and accessible.
The ECMS features an external user portal for litigants and lawyers and an internal interface for judges and judicial staff, accessible 24/7 in English, French, and Portuguese. This system provides real-time access to case information, court notifications, and virtual hearings, enhancing transparency and accountability.
The Praia training session is the final phase of a program designed to equip lawyers from all ECOWAS member states with the skills needed to navigate the ECMS. Previous sessions were held in Lomé and Accra for Francophone and Anglophone lawyers, respectively.
Justice Asante thanked all participants and organizers, urging active engagement to create a more accessible and efficient justice system for the ECOWAS community.
