Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – Chief Justice Hassan Jallow, speaking at the Ecowas Judicial Council meeting in Banjul, has called for the Ecowas Court to be empowered to prosecute individuals who commit serious international crimes such as genocide and crimes against humanity. The Ecowas Judicial Council, consisting of legal experts from West African states, oversees the operations of the Ecowas Court.

Justice Jallow emphasized the need for regional judicial institutions to step in when national systems are unable to prosecute such crimes due to capacity or legal constraints. He highlighted the evolution of the Ecowas Court from solely an interstate court to a human rights jurisdiction, allowing individuals in the Ecowas region to seek redress for injustices.

He proposed expanding the Ecowas Court’s jurisdiction to include prosecution for a range of serious crimes, including war crimes, crimes against the environment, drug trafficking, and sexual and gender-based crimes. Justice Jallow argued that this expansion would enhance accountability for international crimes in the region, especially in cases where national or international courts are inaccessible or ineffective.

Justice Jallow’s proposal aligns with Ecowas’ commitment to achieving good governance and respect for human rights in the region. He believes that granting the Ecowas Court the mandate to prosecute serious international crimes will strengthen the region’s justice system and promote the rule of law.

The Ecowas Judicial Council meeting in Banjul provides an opportunity for chief justices from Ecowas member states to discuss and recommend improvements to the Ecowas Court’s procedures. Justice Jallow’s proposal is likely to spark further debate and discussion among council members regarding the role of the Ecowas Court in promoting accountability for serious international crimes in West Africa.