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Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay says the divisions within the Sierra Leone Bar Association predate the current leadership contest, describing the organization’s internal challenges as longstanding.
Speaking Monday during an interview on Truth Media’s Morning Devotion program, Sesay addressed the ongoing dispute within the Bar Association following the disruption of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Bintumani Conference Centre on Friday.
The Attorney General described the disruption, which prevented lawyers from accessing the AGM venue, as unfortunate. He said members of the legal profession should serve as examples in upholding the rule of law and expressed optimism that the impasse could be resolved through dialogue.
According to Sesay, the disagreement between the camps supporting Martina and Tuma stemmed from conflicting interpretations of an alleged breach of a court order. He said that dispute ultimately contributed to the disruption of the meeting.
Sesay also disclosed that he contacted the Inspector General of Police after the incident to seek an explanation for the police action.
According to the Attorney General, the Inspector General told him that police implemented preventive security measures after receiving intelligence suggesting violence could break out if the AGM proceeded as scheduled.
Looking ahead, Sesay said he plans to convene a meeting involving the Inspector General of Police, the current executive of the Sierra Leone Bar Association and representatives of the rival factions after Parliament concludes deliberations on the Constitutional Amendment Bill.
He said the proposed engagement will focus on finding a peaceful resolution to the dispute and reaching agreement on arrangements for a new Annual General Meeting.
