The outgoing President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), Tuma Jabbie, is expected to officially hand over power today to a caretaker body that will oversee the affairs of the organisation until a new Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections are conducted.

The transition marks the end of Jabbie’s tenure, which has been characterised by a series of controversies and internal disagreements within the legal body, beginning with the disputed SLBA elections held in Kenema in 2024.

The 2024 election process triggered concerns among some members of the Association, with allegations of irregularities and disagreements over the credibility of the outcome. The controversy continued into 2026, with renewed disputes surrounding the voter register, membership subscriptions, and eligibility of members to participate in SLBA activities.

Tensions further escalated during the Association’s recent AGM, which was abruptly called off following the intervention of the police after a series of disputes, allegations, and disagreements among members.

With the caretaker body now expected to take charge, its mandate will be to stabilise the organisation, address outstanding concerns, and prepare the ground for a credible AGM and fresh elections aimed at restoring confidence among members.

The leadership transition comes at a critical time for the SLBA, as members look forward to resolving internal divisions and strengthening the governance structures of the country’s premier legal association.