The President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, is currently leading a delegation from the Community Court on a working visit to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, Tanzania. The purpose of the visit is to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two courts, aimed at enhancing their collaboration and promoting respect for human rights in Africa.
The new MOU will replace the inaugural one signed on March 1, 2018, and will focus on areas of mutual interest within their respective constitutional frameworks. These areas of cooperation include staff exchanges, publication of jurisprudence, reciprocal representation, knowledge sharing, research, and training. Additionally, both courts have agreed to collaborate on capacity building and resource mobilization for joint projects.
During the visit, Justice Asante emphasized the importance of building upon the experience gained from implementing the previous MOU, while also adapting to current realities. He expressed the hope that the new agreement would serve as a valuable tool in deepening cooperation between the two courts and ultimately benefitting the people of Africa, particularly those who rely on both courts to protect their human rights.
Justice Asante acknowledged that significant changes have occurred since the signing of the previous MOU in 2018. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has necessitated the adoption of virtual court sessions, which have improved citizen access to justice, expedited case resolution, and reduced litigation costs. He emphasized the need to harness emergency technological measures to strengthen the courts and safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms, especially in light of recent political upheavals in West Africa.
During the technical session of the visit, legal officers from both courts will present on various aspects, including case management, handling of applications, enforcement of decisions, and an overview of their mandates. The delegation will also visit the headquarters of the East African Court of Justice and the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (MICT) in Arusha.
The signing of the new MOU signifies a commitment from both the ECOWAS and African Courts to work together towards a shared vision of promoting and protecting human rights on the continent. Through collaboration and cooperation, these courts aim to contribute to political stability, peace, and security in Africa.
