Sierra Leone has recorded a significant milestone in its legal history with the official launch of the Sierra Leone Chapter of the African Bar Association (AfBA).
The landmark event, held in Freetown, formally integrates Sierra Leone into a continent-wide network of legal professionals committed to promoting justice, the rule of law, human rights, and legal excellence across Africa.
The ceremony brought together senior legal practitioners, government officials, members of the judiciary, and representatives from various African countries to celebrate Sierra Leone’s growing role in regional legal cooperation and institutional development.
Speaking during the event, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK), the only Sierra Leonean lifetime member of the AfBA Governing Council, described the establishment of the chapter as a major step toward strengthening legal reform, professional development, and capacity building within the country’s justice sector.
He encouraged legal practitioners to remain committed to defending justice and protecting the rights of vulnerable citizens.
“Defend the oppressed, even when it is unpopular, and mentor the next generation of fearless advocates,” JFK urged.
The launch also highlighted the importance of collaboration among African legal professionals in addressing emerging legal and governance challenges across the continent.
The event concluded with the induction of the chapter’s interim executive committee, which is expected to spearhead collaborative programmes, continuing legal education initiatives, and pro bono legal services aimed at strengthening democracy, improving access to justice, and enhancing the legal profession in Sierra Leone.