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I take no issue with the formation of this new association; indeed, it could be a valuable addition to our legal landscape. What a brilliant initiative from the very evangelists evangelizing this trending formation of a society for lawyers.
However, I am deeply concerned about the perception that it was established to replace—or serve as an alternative to—the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA). Such a move would not only be unfair to the SLBA but also harmful to an institution that has been a cornerstone of our legal system, representing the ideals of justice and professionalism for generations.
Recent incidents in Kenema reportedly involved certain individuals within the Bar Association, not the association itself. Isolated actions by some members should not be allowed to tarnish the reputation of the SLBA as a whole. For decades, the SLBA has been more than a regulatory body; it has embodied the highest principles of our profession. Replacing it, rather than working to improve it, would be a far-reaching step with unintended consequences.
Throughout the Commonwealth, there are countless examples of Bar Associations that have faced significant internal challenges, yet their members did not respond by seeking to replace them. Instead, they chose to address their issues, finding ways to compromise and rebuild for the collective good of their legal communities.
Consider the example of the United Kingdom, where the Bar Council has faced considerable differences of opinion among its members over issues such as legal aid cuts, ethical standards, and governance policies. Rather than fragmenting into rival associations, barristers and solicitors came together, debated, and ultimately found solutions that allowed the Bar Council to continue representing their collective interests. The emphasis remained on strengthening and reclaiming the association rather than undermining it.
In India, too, the Bar Council has faced numerous challenges, including disagreements on matters of regulation, disciplinary actions, and judicial reforms. Despite these challenges, Indian legal professionals have consistently worked to maintain the unity and authority of the Bar Council of India, understanding that replacing it with an alternative body would only weaken the profession’s influence and standing.
The Sierra Leone Bar Association holds a similarly essential place in our legal framework. It is not merely an organization; it is a legacy and a symbol of justice across Africa. As one of the oldest and most respected Bars on this continent, the SLBA embodies the aspirations and ideals of our past, present, and future practitioners. While there may be differences on the best way to move forward in “reclaiming our Bar,” replacing the SLBA with another organization is an extreme and far-reaching step that would be premature at this stage.
Our path should lie in preserving, strengthening, and revitalizing the SLBA—learning from other jurisdictions that have faced internal struggles but ultimately chose to compromise and unify rather than fragment.
My plea has always been that, we must ensure that this new association is positioned as a partner to the SLBA, enhancing and complementing its role rather than as a replacement that risks abrogating a legacy and one of the foundational institution of our legal system.
“Reclaiming our Bar should be the priority, not replacing it.”
On which foot are you going to stand and reclaim the slba when non of you were able to call white as white but instead the man who conducted the elections was out there doing mess with no stakeholders to condemned his actions. The slba is simple to be replace because with the way the elections was conducted there is no way the world will respect it. Maybe they will respect the new one that has integrity.
A comparative analysis of bar associations in selected jurisdictions in Europe and Africa has proven one thing unique to the Sierra Leonean jurisdiction. And that has to do with state capture of the bar association under a political regime that does everything possible to undermine the independence of sacred governance institutions. The goal is to govern these sacred institutions from State House so that their deceptive rulership won’t be exposed to the critical stakeholding groups such as the voting public, international oversight bodies, and development partners. This kind of behaviour warrants a paradigm shift from professionals like lawyers who ought to find their collective voice which will never be possible if they stay in those already captured institutions.
Where is the Chief Justice and the Attorney General? As Head of the Judiciary they have a role to play to save the credibility of the SLBA.
Good advice Kotor. Some of yout colleagues have allowed emotions, and some, their personal agenda to overcone the parience and wisdom requited to handle the situation.
The new society is bound to fail, and create bad precedent.