The Community Court of Justice of ECOWAS has commenced the second edition of its annual Moot Court Competition in Dakar, Senegal, bringing together law students, academics, and legal professionals from across West Africa in a bid to advance legal education and promote a deeper understanding of Community law.
The three-day event, holding from May 20 to 22, 2026, forms part of the Court’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about its jurisdiction and legal framework while equipping aspiring lawyers with practical skills in advocacy, legal research, and critical analysis.
Held under the theme, “Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Jurists,” the competition offers participants practical exposure to simulated court proceedings, helping them connect theoretical classroom knowledge with real-life legal practice.
This year’s edition features eight universities from Francophone ECOWAS member countries, including Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Senegal, and Togo. A university from Cape Verde is also participating as an observer. Each university is represented by two students alongside a faculty adviser.
The competition is divided into written and oral stages. During the written phase, teams prepare legal memorials for both the applicant and respondent based on a hypothetical dispute within the jurisdiction of the ECOWAS Court. The best-performing teams then progress to the oral rounds.
The oral sessions in Dakar include preliminary and semi-final stages before selected panels, with the competition culminating in a grand finale where the top two teams will present arguments before a distinguished panel of judges. The programme will conclude with an awards ceremony, while participants are also expected to embark on a cultural tour on May 23.
The maiden edition, held in Abuja in 2025, attracted 13 Nigerian universities at the memorial stage, with eight advancing to the oral rounds. Ahmadu Bello University emerged as the overall winner of the inaugural competition.
This year’s event is expected to attract senior Senegalese government officials, members of the judiciary and bar, academics, media practitioners, development partners, invited guests, as well as judges and staff of the ECOWAS Court.
According to the Court, the initiative underscores its commitment to promoting legal excellence, improving access to justice, and advancing human rights across the West African region.
The Court also noted that the programme is aimed at strengthening collaboration between judicial and academic institutions while grooming a new generation of legal professionals with stronger expertise in Community law and regional integration.
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