By Sulaiman Aruna Sesay
The Sierra Leone Bar Association – SLBA is in a state of turmoil following alleged fraudulent elections held in Kenema in May 2024. The situation has been exacerbated by infighting and a lack of trust among its members, putting the future of the organization in doubt.
The elections were highly contentious, with accusations of vote rigging and other forms of electoral malpractice. Some members of the SLBA claimed that the election results had been manipulated in favour Ms. Tuma Adama Jabbi’s team, leading to a lack of faith in the legitimacy of the process.
These allegations have sparked a wave of protests and demonstrations among members of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, with some calling for new elections to be held and others demanding the removal of the current leadership.
The situation has been further complicated by mounting tensions between different factions within the organization. Infighting and personal rivalries have exacerbated the crisis, making it difficult for the Sierra Leone Bar Association to move forward and address these concerns in a productive manner.
The lack of trust and transparency within the organization is also a major concern. Members have accused the leadership of ignoring their concerns and failing to address allegations of fraud and corruption. This has led to a growing sense of disillusionment among members, many of whom are questioning the relevance and legitimacy of the organization.
If the Sierra Leone Bar Association is to have a future, it will need to address these concerns in a transparent, accountable and a credible manner. The leadership must take steps to rebuild trust, sponsor an independent investigation into the conduct of the controversial process and demonstrate a strong commitment to genuine reforms. Failure to do so, risk further damage to the organization and its ability to represent and serve its members effectively.
At this critical moment, it is essential that the Sierra Leone Bar Association remains focused on its core mission of promoting access to justice, upholding the rule of law, and championing the interests of its members. Only by doing so can it begins to rebuild trust and restore credibility among its members and the wider community it serves.
