In a strongly worded letter to the outgoing President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), prominent lawyer Mohamed Pa Momo Fofana has expressed deep discontent with the conduct of this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). Fofana, a veteran member of the SLBA with nearly 26 years of experience, has accused Anti-Corruption Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala of “hijacking” the Bar Association.
Fofana’s letter articulates several grave concerns about the AGM, which took place in Kenema. He contends that the process was marred by disorder and procedural irregularities, undermining the integrity of the SLBA. Central to his complaints is the involvement of Kaifala in chairing the elections. Fofana argues that Kaifala’s dual role as a member of the SLBA and the Anti-Corruption Commissioner presented a conflict of interest, especially given the potential for corruption oversight within the association.
He highlighted multiple issues:
Inappropriate Oversight: Fofana criticized Kaifala’s role in conducting the election, asserting that as the Anti-Corruption Commissioner, he should have distanced himself from election proceedings to maintain impartiality.
Police Presence: The involvement of the police in the election process was deemed unnecessary and shameful. Fofana noted that their presence at the entry gate and the subsequent chaos, including the use of tear gas, prevented members from exercising their voting rights.
Agenda Manipulation: The letter alleges that Kaifala altered the AGM agenda to expedite voting, thereby disenfranchising members who were en route to the venue.
Disorder and Chaos: Fofana described the AGM as chaotic, with ballot boxes scattered and the event marred by disorder, reflecting poorly on the SLBA’s reputation.
Fofana’s letter calls for the annulment of the AGM and its outcomes, urging the SLBA to schedule a new meeting for fresh elections. He emphasized that without rectifying these issues, the association loses its moral authority to advocate for the rule of law in Sierra Leone.
The lawyer’s letter ends with a plea to the outgoing President to take immediate action to restore the SLBA’s credibility and uphold its foundational principles of justice and fairness.
This controversy has cast a shadow over the SLBA, raising questions about its governance and the integrity of its processes at a critical time for legal professionals in Sierra.
