A new bench of twelve judges of the COMESA Court of Justice has been officially sworn in, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the Court’s mandate to uphold the rule of law within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at State House Nairobi and was presided over by President William Ruto of Kenya, in his capacity as Chairperson of the COMESA Authority of Heads of State and Government.

The newly appointed judges will serve across the Court’s two divisions. The Appellate Division comprises Justice Sitwala Mwanamwambwa (Zambia), Justice Onesphore Baroreraho (Burundi), Justice Monica Kalyegira Mugenyi (Uganda), Justice Masauko Timothy Msungama (Malawi), and Justice Salohy Randrianarisoa (Madagascar).

The First Instance Division includes Justice Aggrey Muchelule (Kenya), who will serve as Principal Judge, alongside Justice Lavender Makoni (Zimbabwe), Justice Mazwendoda Mavuso (Eswatini), Justice Ahmed Tharwat Mohamed (Egypt), Justice Cecile Samia Bella Andre (Seychelles), Justice Ibrahim Osman Hamid (Sudan), and Justice Tewodros Getachew Tulu (Ethiopia).

Speaking during the ceremony, President Ruto underscored the significance of their appointment to the regional court. He said

The responsibility before you is immense. Each case brought before you carries the weight of livelihoods, investors, and the hopes of communities and nations,

Prior to their swearing-in, the judges completed an intensive induction and capacity-building programme aimed at enhancing their readiness to adjudicate matters with clarity, consistency, and legal precision.

As the guardian of the COMESA Treaty, the Court plays a critical role in ensuring that the rule of law underpins regional integration across the 21 Member States. With COMESA’s continued growth as an economic and legal community, the Court is increasingly called upon to address complex issues relating to trade, governance, treaty obligations, investment, and the rights and responsibilities of Member States and citizens.

The new bench is expected to reinforce the Court’s commitment to delivering justice that is accessible, predictable, and fair, while supporting the region’s broader integration agenda.