Alfred Kamanda Resigns as SLBA PRO After Bar AGM Fallout

Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) Public Relations Officer (PRO) Alfred Kamanda Esq. has formally resigned from his position and withdrawn from the race for re-election following the disruption of the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Kamanda submitted his resignation letter to the President of the SLBA, stating that his decision was driven by what he described as the “show of raw power and its subsequent abuse” by the Sierra Leone Police after lawyers were prevented from accessing the venue of the scheduled AGM.

The AGM, which was expected to take place on 31st July and 1st August 2026 at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, was halted after police officers ordered members to leave the venue, citing security concerns and circumstances beyond their control.

In his resignation letter, Kamanda expressed sadness over his decision, while thanking members of the Bar Association and fellow executive members for their support during his tenure as PRO.

“It’s from a place of sadness and anguish that I write formally resigning my position as Public Relations Officer of the Sierra Leone Bar Association,” Kamanda stated.

He said the main reason for his resignation was the police action that prevented lawyers from accessing the conference centre, despite preparations made by the Association and the presence of members who had travelled from different parts of the country.

“As an executive, we have expended the Association’s money to organise this event and our members have travelled from across the country to participate in this event only to be prevented from accessing the venue because the Sierra Leone Police say they are acting on ‘ORDERS FROM ABOVE’,” he said.

Kamanda described the development as an unacceptable interference by a government institution in what he considers to be the affairs of an independent professional body.

“Such shameless, brazen and blatant show and abuse of power by a Government institution in the affairs of an independent association as ours is something I cannot stand any longer,” he added.

He also apologised to members who waited outside the venue for hours without gaining access, noting that many had paid annual subscriptions and conference fees to participate in the AGM.

“I extend my unreserved apology to our colleagues who had to stand in the sun for hours and could not access the venue at all,” he said.

Kamanda had earlier announced, while speaking to journalists after the disruption of the AGM, that he was no longer interested in contesting for the PRO position or any other role within the Association.

“Whether we eventually proceed to the polls or not, I am no longer interested in contesting for any position,” he said.

He had also criticised what he described as external influence in the affairs of the Bar Association, saying he could not continue serving in an institution where he believes outside forces seek to influence decisions.

Kamanda’s resignation comes amid growing tensions surrounding the SLBA AGM, which was expected to include elections for new leadership but was postponed following police intervention. As of press time, no new date had been announced for the continuation of the meeting.