Liberia Reaffirms Commitment to ECOWAS Obligations and Regional Justice System, as ECOWAS holds Outreach Program in the Country

Monrovia, Liberia - The Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fulfilling its financial and legal obligations within the Economic Community of West African States or ECOWAS, emphasizing its support for regional justice, human rights, and integration.

The commitment was made on Wednesday at the opening of an Outreach Program of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice to the Republic of Liberia at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.

Delivering a statement on behalf of Finance and Development Planning Minister Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Deputy Finance Minister for Administration Hon. Bill McGill Jones highlighted that under the leadership of His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., the issue of Liberia’s community payments has been effectively addressed.

“Since the ascendancy of President Boakai, the issue of community payments has become a thing of the past. Except for arrears owed for many years, which our government has prioritized through the FY2025/2026 budgetary appropriation, we can proudly say that Liberia is in full compliance with the 2024 and 2025 ECOWAS community levy payments,” he noted.

He further pledged the Government’s continued commitment to upholding its obligations under the ECOWAS framework, including the timely payment of the Community Levy and adherence to the rulings of the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

Established under Articles 6 and 15 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty of 1993, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice serves as a critical pillar for promoting justice, protecting human rights, and advancing regional integration. Over the years, it has evolved beyond inter-state disputes to become a vital human rights tribunal for the citizens of the Community.

As ECOWAS celebrates its 50th Anniversary, Deputy Minister Jones described the outreach program as an opportunity for the Court to bring its work closer to the people.

“Despite its important contributions, many citizens remain unaware of the Court’s mandate, jurisdiction, and procedures. These outreach initiatives will bridge that gap by engaging citizens, legal practitioners, civil society, and the media to enhance public understanding and access to justice,” he said.

He emphasized that justice and human rights must remain central to regional integration efforts. “All of these aspirations will not be realized unless we commit to enforcing the Court’s decisions and maintaining full compliance with our community levy obligations,” he added.

Deputy Minister Jones said while this current administration is committed to fulfilling its legal and financial obligations, ECOWAS should prioritize Liberians in key positions like other member states. He said Liberia has the human resource capacity to adequately assist the functioning of the regional body.

For his part, the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, has called for stronger cooperation between national institutions and the ECOWAS Court to advance justice, uphold human rights, and strengthen regional integration across West Africa.

In his keynote address, the ECOWAS Court President expressed deep appreciation to the Government and people of Liberia for their warm hospitality and commitment to regional justice. He praised Liberia for being one of the few ECOWAS Member States to have fully ratified all key protocols establishing and expanding the Court’s mandate.

“Liberia deserves recognition and commendation for its leadership,” Justice Gonçalves said, noting that the country’s ratification of the 1991 Protocol, the 2005 Supplementary Protocol, and the 2006 Protocol demonstrates a firm commitment to the rule of law and regional cooperation.

Also in attendance were Chief Justice His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay and Associate Justices, the leadership of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, amongst others.