By Usman Fambuleh
The Lawyers’ Society on Wednesday, 8th April 2026, held its 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) under the theme “Institutional Independence and Reforms: Pillars of Democracy” at the New Brookfields Hotel, Jomo Kenyatta Road, Freetown.
Delivering his welcome address, the President of the Lawyers’ Society, Augustine Sorie-Sengbeh, reflected on the origins and evolution of the organization, describing it as a formidable and enduring institution born out of a defining moment for the legal profession in Sierra Leone. He asserted that the Society was not established as a temporary movement, but rather as a long-term body committed to continuity and growth across generations.
He further emphasized that despite facing several challenges since its inception, the Society has remained resilient, largely due to the unwavering support of its members and stakeholders. According to him, these stakeholders have consistently advocated for justice, transparency, and the rule of law, thereby strengthening the Society’s relevance and credibility.
Sorie-Sengbeh also highlighted that the AGM serves as an important platform for critical engagement, noting that such gatherings create space for constructive dialogue on key reform initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic institutions. He reiterated the Society’s commitment to promoting institutional independence as a cornerstone for democratic governance.
In his keynote address, Abdul M. Fatoma, Chief Executive of the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI), stressed the need for a broader and more practical understanding of reform. He argued that reform should not be limited to policy formulation alone, but must also encompass structural and organizational transformations that enhance institutional efficiency and accountability.
He explained that institutional reform requires the deliberate integration of best practices into the daily functioning of organizations, maintaining that without such practical implementation, policy changes risk becoming ineffective. He urged stakeholders to adopt a holistic approach that bridges the gap between policy and practice, thereby ensuring that institutions operate responsibly and deliver on their mandates.
He further warned that institutions lacking credibility are fundamentally weakened, remarking that “institutions without credibility are empty.” He cautioned professionals against yielding to undue influence, insisting that decisions must be guided by the rule of law rather than external pressures or “the loudest phone calls.”
He also advised legal professionals to uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity, stating that these values are indispensable to the survival of democracy. He maintained that professionalism rooted in ethical conduct strengthens public trust and reinforces the legitimacy of democratic institutions.
The AGM also featured contributions from distinguished guests across various professions, who echoed, underscored, and reaffirmed the centrality of integrity and ethical conduct in nation building. Many of the speakers observed that as custodians of the justice system and democracy, legal practitioners bear a profound responsibility to uphold these principles at all times.
They collectively called for sustained commitment to accountability, transparency, and professionalism, emphasizing that the strength of democratic institutions is directly tied to the moral standards of those who serve within them.
The meeting concluded with renewed commitments from both lawyers and journalists, who pledged to strengthen collaboration, advance institutional reforms, and ensure that Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions remain robust, independent, and accountable.
