By Andrew Chokpeleh
Freetown, 6th August, 2026 – The Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) has entered a new transitional phase following the formal handover of its affairs to a caretaker body, marking a significant step in efforts to restore stability after weeks of internal uncertainty.
Outgoing President Tuma Adama Jabbi formally transferred responsibility to the caretaker team, stressing that the arrangement is a temporary administrative measure and not a substitute for democratic elections. Jabbi emphasized that no valid election had taken place and that the handover was solely intended to prevent a leadership vacuum, safeguard the Association’s assets and records, and maintain continuity until credible elections are held.
“The caretaker administration must never become a permanent alternative to the democratic will of lawyers,” Jabbi cautioned, urging the interim leadership to exercise restraint and prepare the Bar for free, fair, and transparent elections.
Reflecting on her tenure, Jabbi highlighted key achievements, including expanded scholarship opportunities, the introduction of a pension scheme, strengthened partnerships with the judiciary, and progress toward establishing a permanent SLBA secretariat. She expressed gratitude to colleagues, partners, and members for their support, while urging the Bar to resist divisions and uphold unity.
“History will judge us not by the offices we held but by how we responded when our democratic process was interrupted,” she said, adding that the Bar must defend its principles while preserving peace and ensuring that authority returns to members through credible elections.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay commended the outgoing executive for preserving the integrity and independence of the legal profession during a challenging period. He urged members to set aside divisions and rebuild unity, stressing that a cohesive Bar is vital to the effective administration of justice in Sierra Leone.
“Ordinary Sierra Leoneans depend on a strong and united Bar Association to safeguard the rule of law and protect their rights,” Sesay noted, adding that reconciliation among members is a matter of national importance.
The newly appointed caretaker body comprises:
- Osman I. Kamara (Chairman)
- Hindolo N. Ngavao (Member)
- Melissa Sesay (Member)
- Joseph E. Kapuwa (Member)
- Lamin Bayor (Member)
Their mandate is to preserve the Association’s operations, safeguard its independence, and prepare the ground for inclusive, transparent elections.
As the SLBA turns a new page, both the outgoing president and the Attorney General underscored a common theme: unity, credibility, and accountability. The decisions taken during this transitional period will determine whether the Bar emerges stronger, more united, and better positioned to uphold justice, democracy, and the rule of law in Sierra Leone.
