By Joseph Momoh, D.S. Reporter
Freetown, February 9, 2026 – The Hon. Speaker of Sierra Leone’s Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, received a distinguished award from the ECOWAS Court of Justice during a courtesy visit from a high-level delegation today. This recognition highlights his unwavering support for regional judicial cooperation coinciding with the Court’s 50th anniversary.
Led by Hon. Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro Goncalves, President of the ECOWAS Court, the delegation’s visit aims to assess bilateral obligations with member states, fostering compliance with the Court’s rulings. Justice Goncalves expressed gratitude for Speaker Thomas’s hospitality and emphasized that enforcing court judgments remains a considerable challenge for the institution.
“The foremost issue confronting the ECOWAS Court of Justice is ensuring the execution of its rulings,” he stated, revealing that of the 18 pending cases, only one has been fully executed. He urged national authorities to bolster efforts in addressing this pressing concern.
Responding to the delegation, Speaker Thomas reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s dedication to peace, justice, and regional cooperation. Drawing on his extensive legal experience, he underlined that a court lacking enforcement capability effectively loses its authority, stating, “A court that fails to execute its judgments is not a court.”
The Speaker called for increased engagement between the ECOWAS Court and executive governments within the region, stressing that the effectiveness of judicial enforcement heavily relies on governmental action. He committed the Sixth Parliament, under his leadership, to vigorously support initiatives that enhance the Court’s enforcement capabilities.
The visit culminated in the presentation of the award to Speaker Thomas, further solidifying the partnership between Sierra Leone and the ECOWAS Court of Justice. This engagement underscores the nation’s commitment to advancing regional judicial cooperation and the implementation of fair judicial processes across West Africa.
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