State House, Freetown, Monday, 28th July 2025 – The President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves, and his delegation today paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio at State House in Freetown.
Stating the purpose of the visit, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Sierra Leone, Mr. Alpha Sesay, said the delegation, led by the President of the Court, was in the country primarily to congratulate President Bio on his recent election as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.
He further noted that the visit also aimed to support the Attorney General’s Office by offering training and capacity-building sessions for state counsels.
Mr. Sesay emphasized that the training will enhance the capacity of state counsel and better prepare them to represent the state effectively whenever the need arises.
Introducing the delegation to President Bio, the Vice President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Sengu Koroma, expressed his gratitude to the Attorney General’s Office for their continued support to the Community Court. He also assured President Bio of Sierra Leone’s active and meaningful representation at the Court.
In his remarks, President of the Court, Hon. Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves conveyed a congratulatory message on behalf of the staff of the Community Court of Justice.
He described President Bio’s appointment as both significant and historic, saying it reflected the confidence reposed in him by fellow Heads of State.
“It is both a testament to your visionary leadership at home and a signal of trust in the regional integration agenda,” he said.
He added that the Community Court was confident that President Bio’s tenure would be marked by pragmatic leadership, strengthened cooperation among member states, and more robust regional institutions.
He concluded by assuring President Bio of the Court’s fullest support in advancing the rule of law, good governance, and human rights as core tenets of regional integration.
Receiving the delegation, President Bio warmly welcomed the team and thanked them for the visit. He commended the vital role the ECOWAS Community Court continues to play in the region.
“The Court is an integral part of ECOWAS, and I am well aware of the challenges you face. I want to assure you of my full support during my tenure,” he said.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to the President of the Court and his delegation for the training opportunities being offered to Sierra Leone’s state counsel, noting the importance of such initiatives in strengthening national legal capacities.
