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The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla has called on the Law Society of Sierra Leone and the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) to reconcile their differences for the good of the nation’s justice system.
The call came during the inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Law Society of Sierra Leone held in York Village on February 19, 2025.
The SLAJ president acknowledged the divisions within the SLBA that led to the formation of the Law Society and emphasized the importance of a unified legal fraternity for upholding justice and the rule of law.
“When lawyers are divided along partisan lines, the entire justice system risks becoming an extension of politics rather than an impartial guardian of the people’s rights,” Nasralla stated.
Drawing parallels with the media’s own struggles with division and external interference, the SLAJ president urged both organizations to prioritize the greater good of the justice system over personal agendas.
Nasralla stressed that a strong and united legal profession is crucial for safeguarding human rights and ensuring the rule of law.
The SLAJ president also highlighted the shared mission of lawyers and journalists in serving as watchdogs of society and holding power to account. The president called for greater collaboration between the two professions to expose corruption, defend the voiceless, and ensure justice reaches all citizens. However, the president also urged a shift from simply issuing press releases to more meaningful engagement and dialogue with authorities to achieve real progress.
The Law Society of Sierra Leone was recently formed following disputed Sierra Leone Bar Association elections. The new organization aims to complement existing legal bodies and provide a platform for diverse voices advocating for democracy, good governance, and the integrity of the legal system.
