Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr has called on legal professionals to uphold justice, transparency, and democratic governance as the Lawyers Society of Sierra Leone (LSSL) holds its first Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Speaking as a Distinguished Guest at the event, held from February 20–21, 2025, at T-Hall Big Water, Peninsula, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized the critical role of lawyers in safeguarding democratic principles. She reminded legal practitioners that courage, commitment, and consistency are essential for ensuring justice and protecting the rights of the people.

The role of lawyers in democratic governance cannot be overstated. It requires not only legal expertise but also a steadfast commitment to truth and fairness,” she stated. “As defenders of democracy, lawyers must challenge injustice, stand firm against oppression, and ensure that the rule of law prevails over personal or political interests.”

She further urged members of the LSSL to set a new standard for legal integrity in Sierra Leone, stressing that their work should inspire public confidence in the legal system.

The AGM, themed “The Role of Lawyers in Democratic Governance,” has brought together hundreds of legal professionals from across Sierra Leone to discuss their collective responsibility in shaping the nation’s legal framework.

A key highlight of the event is a keynote address by Faith M.A. Odhiambo, President of the Kenya Law Society, whose participation reflects LSSL’s commitment to learning from regional experiences to strengthen legal institutions and governance in Sierra Leone.

Since its launch on November 1, 2024, LSSL has positioned itself as an alternative platform for legal practitioners seeking to restore credibility and fairness within the profession. Its formation was largely influenced by concerns over governance following allegations of malpractice during the Sierra Leone Bar Association’s AGM in May 2024.