Gbanie Urges Dialogue to Heal Sierra Leone Legal Split

Gbanie Urges Dialogue to Heal Sierra Leone Legal Split

The Sierra Leone Bar Association and the Lawyers’ Society could reconcile their differences through a process of sincere dialogue, according to Alphonsus Gbanie, Executive Director of the Human Rights Defenders Network-Sierra Leone.

Speaking on Epic Radio, Gbanie expressed confidence that the divide within the legal profession is reparable. He argued that the Government and the Judiciary hold a critical responsibility to foster unity, emphasizing that members of both organizations share a fundamental obligation to uphold justice and the rule of law.

The fragmentation of the legal profession dates back to the 2024 Sierra Leone Bar Association elections held in Kenema. Disagreements over the election's conduct led a dissatisfied faction to establish the Lawyers’ Society.

Gbanie noted that reconciliation efforts were likely neglected in the immediate aftermath of that election, which he described as marred by political interference and procedural shortcomings.

Despite the ongoing split, Gbanie remains optimistic that stakeholder engagement can bridge the gap, ultimately restoring a unified legal front.