West African customary law
West African customary law refers to traditional legal systems practiced by local communities, shaping social conduct, property rights, marriage, and conflict resolution. These laws are often unwritten, based on customs, oral traditions, and communal practices passed down through generations. They vary among ethnic groups and regions, emphasizing communal harmony, kinship ties, and social obligations. While coexistÂing with national legal systems, customary law remains central in many communities, especially for family, inheritance, and land issues, reflecting the cultural values and social structures unique to each group.