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The incumbent Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Alfred Kamanda Esq., has formally withdrawn his bid for re-election following the controversy that disrupted the Association’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Kamanda made the announcement in the aftermath of the disruption that rocked the SLBA Annual General Meeting (AGM), bringing an abrupt end to his campaign for re-election.
Speaking after the events that unfolded during the AGM, Kamanda said he was no longer interested in seeking another term as the Association’s spokesperson, describing the day’s developments as deeply discouraging.
“I am no longer interested in running for the position of Public Relations Officer of the Bar Association because of what happened today. It is not adding anything to me; in fact, it has taken so much from me,” he said.
The outgoing PRO explained that he had entered the race with confidence and had campaigned extensively ahead of the elections. However, he said the circumstances surrounding the AGM had convinced him that the electoral process would not deliver a credible outcome.
“I had every intention of contesting and campaigned throughout. However, what I witnessed today is a clear indication that it is not going to happen, even if we proceed with the election,” Kamanda added.
Earlier in the day, Kamanda had publicly criticised the events at the AGM venue, alleging in a viral video that he and several other lawyers were prevented from accessing the meeting despite the absence of any court injunction stopping the proceedings.
He also questioned what he described as the abuse of power in the handling of the AGM, arguing that the developments had undermined confidence in the Association’s electoral process.
The AGM, which was expected to elect a new leadership for the Association, was later suspended on the instruction of Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Sylvester Koroma, the Regional Commander for Freetown West, after tensions escalated at the venue.
