On Saturday, 18th May 2024, the Sierra Leone Bar Association gathered in Kenema, located in the eastern region of Sierra Leone, for their Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The purpose of the meeting was amongst other things, to elect a new Executive for the Association. However, what was supposed to be a routine event turned into a dispute between what is now known as the Kenema Bar Association and the Sierra Leone Bar Association.
This article will delve into the events that transpired and the ensuing controversy.
Agenda and Preparations:
Prior to the meeting in Kenema, it was agreed by all parties involved that the agenda for the program should be released 48 hours before the event itself. Additionally, it was decided that the list of fully paid-up members, which would serve as the voters register, should also be published 48 hours before the Bar elections.
Furthermore, it is customary for the most senior member present to preside over the elections as the returning officer.
Disputed Proceedings:
Upon arrival in Kenema, the agreed-upon agenda and preparations were rejected by a faction, now known as the Kenema Bar Association, a faction within the Sierra Leone Bar Association.
One of the main points of contention was the emergence of Francis Ben Kaifala, Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Boss, as the returning officer. It was argued that he forcefully assumed this position without being voted in.
Suliaman Banja Tejan-Sie, one of the most senior members present at the meeting, called for Ben Kaifala to recuse himself from the election process. This request was based on the fact that Ben Kaifala had already identified himself with a particular candidate, Madam Tuma Gento Kamara, who now serves as the Head of the Kenema Bar Association. However, Ben Kaifala refused to step aside.
In addition to this dispute, there were concerns regarding the voters register. It was discovered that the names of some fully paid-up members of the Bar, including individuals such as Julian Cole, were omitted from the list that was supposed to serve as the voters register. Furthermore, the voters list was not published on time, as previously agreed upon. This resulted in registered members being denied entry to the premises of the elections.
Divisions and Fresh Elections:
As a result of the contentious proceedings and the actions of Francis Ben Kaifala and his faction, the Sierra Leone Bar Association members who opposed his involvement protested vehemently and refused to participate in the election process.
Despite their protestations, Francis Ben Kaifala proceeded with the elections, with majority of the Sierra Leone Bar Association out of the hall, a result of which led us to what has now been branded as the Kenema Bar Association.
In response, the members of the Sierra Leone Bar Association have dissociated themselves from whatever Ben Kaifala has called elections, and are currently in talks to conduct fresh elections to ensure a fair, free from fear and unbiased process.
The Kenema Bar Association Vs The Sierra Leone Bar Association saga highlights the importance of transparency, adherence to agreed-upon procedures, and the need for impartiality in organizational elections. The events that unfolded in Kenema have sparked a division within the Sierra Leone Bar Association, the product of which is the Kenema Bar Association.
As discussions for fresh elections proceed, it is hoped that the legal fraternity in Sierra Leone can find a resolution that upholds the integrity of the Bar Association and promotes unity among its members.
Credit: Alimamy Kabia (Tiger)
