Strengthening International Cooperation: Malawi Participates in 20th CMJA Triennial Conference

The Judiciary is this week participating in the 20th Triennial Conference of the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association (CMJA) in Banjul, The Gambia. This year’s conference, being hosted by The Gambia for the first time, is being held under the theme “Innovations in Judicial Practice: Embracing Change for a Better Future.”

Speaking when he officially opened the conference on Monday, 22nd September 2025, His Excellency Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, reminded participants that justice is the cornerstone of peace, stability, and prosperity, and they should therefore leverage innovation for fair and timely access to justice.

In his remarks, Chief Justice of The Gambia, His Lordship Hon. Hassan B. Jallow, called for strategic planning in judicial reforms, stressing that justice should not be sidelined in national development. He further encouraged the participants to harness advances in science and technology to enhance case and court management.

CMJA President, Justice Lynne Leitch, underscored the importance of judicial reform that responds to the evolving needs of society. She noted that innovation must complement, rather than undermine, the timeless values of justice.

The Malawi 16-member delegation is being led by the Honourable the Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa SC, joining judges, magistrates, legal scholars, and judicial officers from across the Commonwealth to deliberate on how judiciaries can embrace innovation while safeguarding the core principles of justice, independence, and integrity.

For Malawi, the conference presents a valuable opportunity to share experiences, strengthen networks, and draw lessons from diverse Commonwealth jurisdictions on how courts can adapt to modern challenges while remaining steadfast in upholding the rule of law. Malawi has consistently benefited from CMJA engagements, such as last year’s annual conference in Kigali, Rwanda, which focused on Environmental Justice and gave participants insights into how courts can contribute to addressing pressing issues of climate change and environmental protection.

The CMJA, founded in 1970 and now comprising members from over 60 countries, continues to provide a vital platform for judicial officers to exchange knowledge, confront common challenges, and uphold the independence of the judiciary.