Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has underscored the fragility of peace and the vital role of judicial institutions in safeguarding democracy, telling the ECOWAS Judicial Council that “peace… is not to be taken for granted.”
Speaking at the regional gathering, Jalloh emphasized that every citizen must be able to exercise their right to vote “without fear,” stressing that judicial cooperation across West Africa is “essential” to uphold the rule of law and ensure stability.
The Vice President’s remarks come at a time when several ECOWAS member states are grappling with political transitions and security challenges. He argued that strong, independent judicial systems are the backbone of democratic governance, capable of protecting citizens’ rights and preventing electoral disputes from escalating into conflict.
“Without trust in the courts, democracy itself is weakened,” Jalloh said, urging judges and legal practitioners to strengthen collaboration across borders to confront shared challenges such as electoral integrity, constitutional order, and human rights.
The ECOWAS Judicial Council, which brings together senior judges and legal experts from across the region, plays a key role in harmonizing judicial practices and supporting the bloc’s broader mission of peace and integration.
Observers note that Jalloh’s intervention reflects Sierra Leone’s broader commitment to regional stability, particularly as West Africa continues to face pressures from coups, contested elections, and rising insecurity.