In a forceful statement issued on Monday, nine former presidents of the Sierra Leone Bar Association have decried the violence and irregularities that disrupted the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kenema on May 17th and 18th, 2024.
The statement, endorsed by Charles Francis Margai, Francis Gabbidon Esq., Emmanuel Shears-Moses Esq., Joseph Fitzgerald Kumarer Esq., Abdul Tejan-Cole Esq., Elvis Kargbo Esq., Ibrahim Sorie Esq., Rhoda Sufian-Kargbo Esq., and Basita Michael Esq., expressed profound disapproval of the conduct exhibited by certain members during the event. The former leaders highlighted that these actions starkly contradicted the core values and principles of their profession.
“We, the undersigned Past Presidents of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, unreservedly condemn the violence perpetrated by some members of the Bar at the AGM in Kenema,” the notice declared. “Such actions are antithetical to the values and principles of our noble profession.”
The past presidents also criticized efforts to disenfranchise members and obstruct their right to elect new leaders, labeling such conduct as unacceptable and detrimental to the Association’s democratic process. They have called for an exhaustive investigation into these incidents.
Due to the severity of the reported issues, the former leaders are demanding the annulment of the AGM’s results. They argue that to restore trust and uphold integrity within the Association, new elections must be conducted with the utmost transparency and fairness, ensuring that all eligible members can vote freely and without fear.
The statement further urged the current leadership of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, led by Ms. Eddinia Swallow, to take decisive measures to address the highlighted irregularities and improprieties. The past presidents underscored the critical need for the Association to reaffirm its dedication to the rule of law and democratic governance.
“We stand united in our resolve to protect the integrity of the Sierra Leone Bar Association and to ensure that justice and democracy prevail within our ranks,” the former presidents affirmed.
