The West African Bar Association (WABA) has accused the Government of Sierra Leone of interfering in the affairs of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) following the disruption of the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election process.
In a strongly worded statement issued on 5 August 2026, the regional legal body expressed what it described as its “profound concern” over reports that members of the Sierra Leone Bar Association were prevented from freely conducting their AGM and electing new leadership.
This intervention represents one of the strongest regional reactions to a dispute that has dominated Sierra Leone’s legal and governance landscape in recent weeks. Moreover, it has intensified debate around institutional independence, democratic governance, and the rule of law.
According to the Association, reports indicate that officers of the Sierra Leone Police and other security personnel obstructed members from accessing a venue designated for the AGM and election of national officers.
For WABA, such actions raise serious concerns because independence of the legal profession remains fundamental to effective administration of justice and protection of constitutional democracy.
Furthermore, the regional body stressed that Bar Associations occupy a special place in democratic societies as independent institutions that safeguard the rule of law, defend constitutional principles, and promote access to justice.
Against that backdrop, it maintained that interference by state authorities in internal governance or electoral processes of a Bar Association threatens not only autonomy of the legal profession but also broader democratic values.
To support its position, WABA referenced several regional and international legal instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees freedom of association, peaceful assembly, participation in public affairs, equality before the law, and the right to have one’s case heard by independent institutions.
In its view, preventing members of the SLBA from convening their AGM and electing leaders undermines those fundamental rights while weakening public confidence in democratic governance.
Similarly, WABA cited the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which commits member states to constitutional governance, democratic principles, respect for the rule of law, and independence of institutions essential to democracy.
Consequently, the regional legal body argued that use of state machinery to influence, frustrate, or obstruct democratic processes of an independent professional association is inconsistent with those commitments.
Describing the reported events as “wholly unacceptable,” WABA emphasised that law enforcement agencies are expected to facilitate and protect lawful assemblies rather than prevent citizens from exercising their constitutional rights.
In addition, the Association reminded governments across West Africa that Bar Associations are independent professional bodies whose autonomy must be respected at all times.
It further stressed that independence of the legal profession is not a privilege granted by governments but an essential pillar of constitutional democracy, accountability, and justice.
Accordingly, WABA called on the Government of Sierra Leone to immediately cease all forms of interference in the affairs of the Sierra Leone Bar Association and ensure that members are allowed to assemble freely, conduct meetings, and elect leaders peacefully and without intimidation.
At the same time, the organisation urged security agencies to operate strictly within constitutional and legal limits by facilitating, rather than frustrating, lawful exercise of citizens’ rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly.
Beyond that, WABA called on authorities to respect and uphold independence of the legal profession in accordance with constitutional principles, regional democratic norms, and internationally recognised standards governing autonomy of Bar Associations.
Despite its criticism of recent developments, the regional body expressed unwavering solidarity with the Sierra Leone Bar Association and its membership during what it described as a challenging period.
According to WABA, Sierra Leone’s legal profession remains capable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities with courage, independence, and fidelity to the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the Association pledged to continue monitoring developments closely and to work alongside SLBA, regional institutions, and other stakeholders to safeguard independence of the legal profession and strengthen the rule of law throughout West Africa.
In a pointed conclusion, WABA warned that an attack on independence of one Bar Association should be regarded as an attack on independence of the legal profession across the West African region.
The statement comes as members of the Sierra Leone Bar Association prepare for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) expected to address the ongoing governance dispute and determine a way forward following disruption of the AGM and election process.
As regional legal institutions increasingly engage the issue, the controversy has evolved from an internal professional dispute into a matter attracting attention across the wider West African legal community.