AYV News, August 5, 2026
The Chief Executive Officer of the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), Abdul M. Fatoma, has criticised the recent state of affairs within the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), describing the Association as “a disappointment” and calling attention to what he believes are serious governance shortcomings.
Speaking exclusively to AYV on Monday, August 3, 2026, Fatoma said the Bar Association has, in recent years, become increasingly influenced by personal and political interests rather than its core professional mandate.
“What we are seeing year-in-year-out in the Sierra Leone Bar Association is personal interest, political interest, displaying recklessness and unruly behaviour,”he said.
Fatoma argued that the Association’s current challenges stem from weaknesses in its internal governance and institutional management.
“If you have a Bar that is so careless, reckless, in taking responsibility for building its own corporate governance structures, processes and procedures, this outcome will not surprise you,” he stated.
He stressed the importance of strong corporate governance systems, transparent procedures and responsible leadership in maintaining the credibility and integrity of professional institutions.
Fatoma’s comments come amid ongoing public debate over recent developments within the Sierra Leone Bar Association, including the postponement of its Annual General Meeting and elections and growing concerns raised by members and other stakeholders about the Association’s governance.
His remarks add to the calls from legal practitioners, governance experts and civil society actors for reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, restoring public confidence and improving institutional governance within the Bar Association.
