Sierra Leone’s legal landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. For decades, the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) stood as the sole professional body for legal practitioners, advocating for judicial independence, upholding professional ethics, and ensuring legal practitioners had a unified voice.
However, the recent emergence of a rival legal body—the Lawyers Society of Sierra Leone (LSSL)—has sparked intense debate within legal, political, and civil society circles.
This division has raised pressing questions: Does the existence of two competing legal associations strengthen or weaken the legal profession? Is this a step toward greater legal advocacy, or is it a move that will deepen political and institutional divisions? Most importantly, does this development push Sierra Leone forward or backward in its quest for judicial independence and the rule of law?
Prominent legal and political figures have aligned themselves with the new Lawyers Society. Notably, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK)—a former Attorney General, legal luminary, and senior member of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC)—has thrown his weight behind the LSSL. Similarly, Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, another significant opposition figure, is also associated with the new body, along with other notable personalities from Sierra Leone’s legal and political spheres. Their affiliation with the LSSL signals that this development is more than an administrative shift; it carries deep political, ideological, and institutional implications.
As Sierra Leone grapples with this legal split, will this division enhance the legal profession, or will it weaken legal institutions and expose the judiciary to greater political interference?
The Genesis of the Lawyers Society of Sierra Leone
To understand the significance of this division, it is essential to explore the circumstances that led to the formation of the Lawyers Society of Sierra Leone (LSSL).
For years, the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) was the only recognized legal body representing lawyers. It played a crucial role in shaping legal discourse, advocating for judicial independence, and engaging with the government on critical constitutional and human rights issues. However, over time, dissatisfaction grew among some legal practitioners who felt that the SLBA had lost its neutrality and effectiveness.
Key Reasons for the Breakaway: Perceived Political Bias of the SLBA – Critics argue that the SLBA has become increasingly aligned with the ruling government. Many lawyers feel that the association has failed to challenge executive overreach, corruption, and judicial interference effectively.
Failure to Defend Judicial Independence – The lack of a strong stance on politically motivated prosecutions, human rights violations, and constitutional breaches led some lawyers to believe that the SLBA was no longer serving its primary purpose.
Lack of Inclusivity and Representation – Some legal practitioners, particularly those outside Freetown, felt side-lined in SLBA affairs and sought a platform that would represent their interests more effectively.
A Need for a More Independent Legal Voice – Many saw the establishment of the LSSL as an opportunity to create a more transparent, independent, and reform-focused legal body that could truly hold both government and opposition accountable.
With these grievances as the backdrop, the Lawyers Society of Sierra Leone emerged as a counterforce to the SLBA, promising a fresh approach to legal advocacy, professional development, and judicial independence.
Key Figures and Political Implications
The split in Sierra Leone’s legal profession has not occurred in isolation. It has drawn some of the most prominent and influential legal minds in the country.
Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK): A Symbol of Legal Reform?
JFK’s affiliation with the Lawyers Society is significant. A former Attorney General, respected anti-corruption crusader, and one of Sierra Leone’s most distinguished lawyers, his decision to align with the LSSL signals a shift in legal advocacy dynamics. His legal expertise, combined with his political influence, makes the Lawyers Society a formidable body.
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr: Legal Reform and Political Strategy?
As the Mayor of Freetown and a high-profile opposition figure, Aki-Sawyerr’s involvement further deepens the perception that this is more than just a professional split—it carries political weight. With both JFK and Aki-Sawyerr associated with the new legal body, many view the LSSL as a platform for opposition-aligned legal minds to push back against government excesses.
Other Notable Figures and International Attention
Beyond these two figures, several other senior lawyers, opposition politicians, and professionals from civil society and the business sector have associated with the LSSL. This has sparked significant debate in both local and international legal circles, with some expressing concern that the fragmentation of the legal profession could lead to further instability.
Is this Division a Step Forward or Backward?
The implications of this split are far-reaching and can be examined from two perspectives: The Case for Progress: Strengthening Legal Advocacy and Judicial Independence
Checks and Balances: The presence of a rival legal body could introduce greater accountability within the legal profession. With the SLBA and LSSL competing for credibility, both may work harder to demonstrate their effectiveness, integrity, and advocacy for judicial independence.
More Robust Legal Activism: If the Lawyers Society remains committed to holding the government accountable, it could serve as a counterbalance to the SLBA, which many perceive as compromised.
Diversity of Legal Opinions: The existence of two associations could ensure that multiple perspectives are considered in legal debates, promoting legal pluralism rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
If managed well, this division could lead to a more dynamic, engaged, and independent legal profession that benefits the nation as a whole.
The Case for Regression: Weakening the Legal System and Eroding Public Trust
Fragmentation and Confusion: A divided legal profession risks losing a unified voice on critical legal matters. Instead of speaking as one on judicial independence and constitutional issues, lawyers may find themselves embroiled in internal disputes, reducing their collective impact.
Political Polarization: If one association is perceived as pro-government and the other as pro-opposition, it could further erode public trust in legal institutions and expose the judiciary to even greater political interference.
Weakened Advocacy on National Legal Issues: Rather than focusing on legal reforms, corruption, and human rights, the SLBA and LSSL may spend more time competing for influence, leading to a loss of focus on broader legal and governance issues.
Risk of Government Interference: The ruling government could exploit this division by strengthening ties with the SLBA while side-lining the LSSL, further undermining judicial independence.
If this split is not handled carefully, it could lead to a weakened, politicized, and less effective legal profession—ultimately harming Sierra Leone’s justice system.
What Needs to Happen?
To prevent this division from becoming detrimental, both legal bodies must: Maintain Professionalism Over Politics – The SLBA and LSSL must focus on legal advocacy, not political allegiance.
Engage in Constructive Dialogue – Rather than becoming adversarial, both bodies should seek collaboration on national legal issues.
Uphold Judicial Independence – Lawyers must resist political influence and ensure the judiciary remains a neutral arbiter of justice.
A Pivotal Moment for Sierra Leone’s Legal System
Sierra Leone stands at a legal and political crossroads. The division within the legal fraternity could either enhance legal advocacy and judicial independence or weaken the legal profession and further politicize justice.
The coming years will determine whether this split leads to a stronger, more independent legal profession or a fragmented, weakened justice system. The challenge now lies in ensuring that this division does not compromise the rule of law but instead strengthens it—for the sake of democracy, justice, and the future of Sierra Leone.
