This morning, during the second day of the Lawyers’ Society meeting, a shocking revelation emerged that paints a deeply troubling picture. Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya, was reportedly dissuaded from attending as the keynote speaker—allegedly due to diplomatic interference. This incident raises serious concerns about the erosion of judicial and professional independence in Sierra Leone, and the government’s apparent determination to stifle open discourse within the legal fraternity.
According to reports, the Acting Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Kenya personally approached Ms. Odhiambo and informed her that her safety and security could not be guaranteed if she proceeded to travel to Freetown – she eventually delivered her address yesterday via zoom. The “Acting” Ambassador allegedly claimed to be acting on instructions from the Secretary to the President. To compound matters, Sierraeye has learnt that when the Lawyers’ Society sought assurances from the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, who himself declined an invitation to attend the event, he refused to provide written guarantees for the guest speaker’s safety.
If these allegations are true, they represent an egregious and unacceptable affront to the independence of the legal profession. The government’s actions send a chilling message – it would rather suppress open dialogue and intimidate legal professionals than allow a legitimate professional body to operate freely. This is not merely an attack on the legal community; it is a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy and the rule of law in Sierra Leone.
The Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone was established in the wake of the chaotic and highly controversial elections of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) in May last year. Those elections were widely condemned for blatant irregularities, including ballot tampering and state interference, which ultimately led to a disputed outcome. The majority of Sierra Leone’s lawyers, disillusioned by the lack of transparency and fairness, chose to form an alternative professional body—the Lawyers’ Society. Rather than seeking to reconcile the divided legal fraternity and promote unity, the government has instead taken sides. It has embraced and legitimised the disputed SLBA while actively undermining the newly formed Lawyers’ Society.
The legal profession is a cornerstone of any democratic society, tasked with upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability. When governments seek to control or manipulate this profession, they erode public trust in the justice system and the broader democratic process. In the face of such blatant intimidation, silence is not an option. The legal community must rally to defend the principles of justice and the rule of law. The government’s actions must be condemned in the strongest terms.