The ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja has dismissed a case filed by Guinean national Ibrahim Khalil Sheriff, who accused the governments of Liberia and Guinea of subjecting him to enforced disappearance and other serious human rights violations.
In a ruling delivered last week, the Court acknowledged its jurisdiction to hear human rights cases involving ECOWAS member states but declared the application inadmissible, citing a lack of legal standing on the part of the applicant.
The disclosure was made by Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando of Liberia’s Ministry of Information, who welcomed the Court’s decision as a vindication of Liberia’s actions in the matter.
The case was heard by a panel of Justices led by Sengu Mohamed Koroma, with Gberi-Bè Ouattara and Edward Amoako Asante serving as members.
Mr. Sheriff’s legal team claimed that although he was born in Liberia and raised in Guinea, both countries conspired in his illegal arrest and detention on allegations including armed insurrection, mercenary activity, and criminal conspiracy. He also alleged that he was tortured, held arbitrarily under inhumane conditions, and forcibly imprisoned.
Liberia, named as the first respondent, defended its actions as lawful and transparent. The government asserted that Mr. Sheriff was released and voluntarily transferred to Guinea—identified as his country of nationality and residence—after proper legal proceedings, including a habeas corpus hearing.
According to the Liberian government, the transparency of the process invalidated Sheriff’s claim of enforced disappearance, which requires concealment of a person’s whereabouts. Liberia further argued that inconsistencies in Mr. Sheriff’s claims undermined his credibility and rendered the suit without merit.
Deputy Minister Sando emphasized that the ruling affirms Liberia’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting human rights in accordance with both domestic and regional legal standards.
