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the African Bar Association (AFBA) has voiced its deep concern over the contentious conduct of the 2024 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), which included the election of new officers.
Reports received by AFBA indicate serious irregularities and abrupt changes to the conference agenda, leading to significant disenfranchisement of the majority of SLBA members.
The AFBA’s statement highlights the conflicting accounts of sudden alterations in the conference agenda and election procedures, which were allegedly conducted in violation of established regulations and principles of good faith. These actions have reportedly resulted in widespread dissatisfaction among SLBA members, exacerbating tensions within the legal community.
Further complicating the situation, the AFBA Secretariat has noted the disapproval expressed by past presidents of the SLBA. Their collective dissatisfaction centers on the numerous irregularities that tainted the electoral process. The past presidents’ statement underscores the gravity of the situation and their concern for the integrity of the association’s democratic processes.
The AFBA’s leadership emphasized the crucial role of an independent bar in upholding the rule of law, democracy, and good governance. They reminded SLBA’s leadership and members that a responsible and independent bar serves as the voice of the judiciary and the citizenry, advocating for justice and equality. The statement calls for concerted efforts to establish a united and independent SLBA, free from the influence of opportunistic individuals and groups.
To restore credibility and trust, the AFBA urged the SLBA to set a precedent by organizing free, fair, and transparent elections, ensuring that the new leaders are genuinely and freely chosen by the majority of Sierra Leone’s legal professionals. This, they argue, is essential for fostering a robust and independent bar that can effectively champion the cause of justice and uphold democratic values.
In their appeal for calm, the AFBA implored the outgoing SLBA executive to collaborate with past presidents and other relevant authorities within the legal profession. The aim is to bridge the divides, soothe tensions, and work towards a unified bar association free from resentment and discord.
Sierre Leone na the only Kontri wày lawyer then dae cry for Justice
Did AFBA actually saw evidence of the losers who tried to stop the election from going on? This is Salone and we will not tolerate madness coming from the one sided individuals who believe they should always be the winners and nothing else.
SLPP…they rig all elections….worst sitting illegal so called president ever in our beloved country…worst killing democratic president….everything about our country,is backwardness…..we nor go yeri wan betteh good news…God please save us .
“Did AFBA actually saw evidence of the losers who tried to stop the election from going on? This is Salone and we will not tolerate madness coming from the one sided individuals who believe they should always be the winners and nothing else.”
You are right. Tell the Gentos and their backers that this is not good for our country. The election was not conducted properly. It was stolen and there is no way she fairly got over 500 votes while the other two candidates got less than 30 each. Shame nor dae pan den tiff sef, but wae den see Bio dae run di country after e tiff election, she figures she can run the Bar Association after stealing that election, why care what people think.