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The Sierra Leone Bar Association presidential candidate, Martina Baindu Egbenda Esq., has continued her nationwide consultative engagement with members of the legal profession, holding a strategic meeting with Benchers and legal practitioners in Makeni, the judicial hub of the Northern Province.
Welcoming Madam Egbenda and her team, Billy Kamara Esq., Coordinator for Lawyers in the Bombali and Tonkolili Judicial Districts, expressed concern over what he described as growing divisions within the legal profession under the current Bar leadership. He endorsed Egbenda’s candidacy, describing her as a unifying leader with the vision and capacity to restore cohesion, professionalism, and confidence within the Sierra Leone Bar Association.
Margaret Murray Esq., a candidate for the position of Treasurer of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, also endorsed Madam Egbenda, describing her as a bridge-builder committed to fostering unity among lawyers. She emphasized that the Bar has historically operated as one professional family and should continue to speak with one voice in the interest of the profession and the administration of justice.
Presenting her vision, Martina Egbenda Esq. described her candidacy as a movement for unity, inclusion, and professional advancement. She reaffirmed that unity remains the cornerstone of her campaign and pledged to build โOne Bar, One Voice, One Profession,โ ensuring equal access to opportunities, training programmes, scholarships, mentorship, and professional development for lawyers across Sierra Leone, irrespective of geographic location.
She further underscored the critical role of legal practitioners in advancing justice sector reforms and strengthening collaboration with key institutions, including the Sierra Leone Police. She highlighted the importance of continuous professional development, referencing recent training initiatives on the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024 (Act No. 8 of 2024), as well as the ongoing constitutional review process.
Madam Egbenda called for a Bar Association that is united in purpose, respectful of diverse perspectives, appreciative of service, and unwavering in its commitment to defending the rule of law, judicial independence, and the integrity of the legal profession.
During the engagement, Paul Kamara Esq. expressed concern regarding an incident during the 18 May 2024 Bar Association elections in Kenema, where he alleged that he was assaulted. He lamented the lack of resolution of the matter and appealed for leadership that would ensure such incidents are never repeated within the Association.
A.T. Jalloh Esq. emphasized the importance of sustained engagement with lawyers in the regions, advocating for inclusiveness, capacity building, and equal participation for practitioners in the North.
Dr. C.M.B. Jalloh Esq., Acting Dean of the Postgraduate Faculty at the University of Makeni and Head of Chambers at C&J Partners, welcomed Madam Egbenda’s candidacy and expressed concern over the events that transpired during the Kenema elections. He called for a united Bar that speaks with one voice and cautioned against political interference in the affairs of the legal profession.
Responding to the concerns and recommendations raised, Madam Egbenda assured participants that her administration would be founded on inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, and equal opportunity. She pledged to work collaboratively with lawyers across all regions to strengthen the Association, protect the interests of practitioners, and uphold the highest standards of professional excellence.
โTogether, we can build One Bar, One Voice, One Commitment a Bar Association that serves every lawyer and stands firmly for justice and unity
