Cape Verdean President in Nigeria to Attend ECOWAS Court

President of the Republic of Cape Verde, José Maria Pereira Neves is among dignitaries expected to grace the opening ceremony of the 2025/2026 legal year of the Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 2nd October at the seat of the Court, in Abuja, Nigeria.

A statement on Monday by the Head, Public Information and External Relations of the Court, Elohor Ovadje noted that the session is an important event in the calendar
of the Court and affords the Court the opportunity to brief stakeholders on its judicial activities in the past year and to highlight its programme for the new legal year.

She said the ceremony provides an opportunity for the Court to reaffirm its mandate as the principal legal organ of the ECOWAS Community responsible for interpreting and applying Community law, safeguarding human rights, and advancing regional integration and the rule of law.

She said: “The theme of this legal year celebration is “ECOWAS Court and International Law: Expanding Access and Navigating Contemporary Challenges.” It will bring together dignitaries including His Excellency, José Maria Pereira Neves, President of the Republic of Cape Verde.”

She revealed that the opening session will feature statements from top government officials, heads of ECOWAS institutions, and the diplomatic corps.

Also expected are legal practitioners,
academics, representatives of international organisations and civil society groups, and
the media. There will be a keynote address on the theme of the Legal Year, an opening
speech by the President of the ECOWAS Court and a special address by His
Excellency, José Maria Pereira Neves, the President of Cape Verde.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, Hon
President of the Court, stated that the legal year is both a tradition and a necessity,
providing an opportunity to reflect on achievements and challenges while reinforcing the Court’s commitment to justice, human rights and regional integration.

He said: “The celebration of the Legal Year is a reaffirmation of the Court’s pivotal role in upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and advancing regional integration in the ECOWAS Community.”