“I Failed as a Leader” – Alfred Kamanda Opens Up on Emotional SLBA AGM Incident

Former Public Relations Officer of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Alfred Kamanda, has explained why he broke down in tears following the disruption of the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), saying he felt he had failed as a leader after being unable to help his colleagues gain access to the venue.

Speaking on Radio Democracy 98.1 FM, Kamanda said his emotional reaction stemmed not only from the events that unfolded on the day of the AGM but also from the extensive preparations undertaken to ensure a successful gathering.

“One of the principal reasons is that we worked right round the clock after Kenema,” Kamanda said. “We went to different stations and promised Sierra Leoneans that we would organise a free, fair and credible AGM, with no violence, and ensure the best AGM.”

He said the Bar leadership invested considerable time engaging stakeholders and preparing for an event that would reflect professionalism, unity and credibility within the legal community.

According to Kamanda, the leadership was determined to assure Sierra Leoneans that the AGM would be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the standards expected of the legal profession.

However, he said witnessing lawyers being prevented from accessing the venue after months of preparation was deeply painful.

“That was quite painful,” he said.

Kamanda added that the most difficult moment was standing at the scene and feeling powerless to assist his colleagues.

“I failed as a leader to stand there and I could not talk to the police,” he said. “I didn’t have the powers to plead with the police to make my colleagues access even the road to the venue.”

He said his leadership role within the Association made the experience particularly emotional because he felt responsible for ensuring the smooth conduct of the AGM.

“That made me cry,” Kamanda stated.

Kamanda noted that he had hoped the AGM would provide an opportunity for members of the legal profession to come together in a spirit of professionalism and mutual respect.

His remarks follow the disruption of the Sierra Leone Bar Association’s Annual General Meeting, an incident that has drawn widespread public attention and sparked debate within the country’s legal community.