The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS has concluded its outreach programme and Legal Clinic in Praia, Cabo Verde. The weeklong activities were aimed at strengthening public awareness, judicial cooperation and access to regional justice.

The outreach programme which brought together senior government officials, members of the judiciary, legal practitioners, academics, civil society organisations, students, media representatives and Community citizens, formed part of the Court’s ongoing efforts to bring justice closer to citizens and to enhance understanding of its mandate, jurisdiction, practice and procedures.

In his address, Hon. Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves, President of the Community Court of Justice, reaffirmed the Court’s commitment to dialogue, cooperation and partnership with national institutions. He emphasised that the Court operates as an independent regional judicial body established by Member States to interpret and apply Community law, particularly in matters relating to human rights and the international responsibility of Member States. He further clarified that the Court does not function as a political institution or as an appellate body over national courts, but rather complements domestic judicial systems.

The President highlighted the importance of sensitisation programmes in fostering transparency and stakeholder engagements. He encouraged stakeholders, including legal professionals, academics, civil society and the media, to actively participate in the discussions and to collaborate as partners in advancing the rule of law and human rights protection across the region.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon Justice Benfeito Mosso Ramos, President of the Supreme Court of Cape Verde, welcomed the Court’s delegation and reaffirmed the country’s longstanding commitment to regional integration, the rule of law and judicial independence. He commended the Court for its choice of Cape Verde for the outreach programme and for its efforts to engage directly with citizens and national institutions.

In the same vein, Dr José Luís do Livramento Monteiro Alves de Brito, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration welcomed the delegation to Cape Verde. He commended the leadership of the Court for bridging the gap between the Court and the people through the well-structured outreach programme. He stressed the importance of the regional Court in boosting investments, protecting the rights of citizens and fostering peace and stability in the region.

The week-long programme held from 19 – 23 January 2026 featured a judicial dialogue for judges, interactive sessions with lawyers and law students, engagements with academic institutions, and a public legal clinic designed to provide practical information on how individuals and institutions can access the Court. The Sensitisation Outreach Programme in Cape Verde reflects the Court’s commitment to a people-centric Community, strengthening trust in regional justice mechanisms and reinforcing cooperation with Member States in the promotion of justice, human rights and regional integration.