By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
A Nation in Mourning: The Legal and Academic Communities Pay Tribute to a Scholar, Mentor, and Advocate
The tragic passing of Dr. Abubakarr Binneh Kamara, one of Sierra Leone’s most respected legal scholars, has sent shockwaves across the country and beyond. His sudden death, which occurred shortly after his return from medical treatment in India, marks a profound loss to Sierra Leone’s legal, academic, and intellectual communities.
News of his passing broke on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, leaving many in disbelief. Tributes continue to pour in from legal professionals, academics, students, and national figures who remember Dr. Kamara not only as a brilliant legal mind but as a mentor, counselor, and fearless advocate for justice and the rule of law.
Dr. Binneh Kamara was widely known for his sharp intellect, scholarly contributions, and unwavering dedication to legal education and advocacy. He specialized in constitutional law, and his insights on governance, jurisprudence, human rights, and public affairs were widely respected both in Sierra Leone and abroad.
He taught at several of the country’s leading institutions, including: Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Makeni (UNIMAK) and other notable tertiary institutions
Dr. Kamara was more than an educator he was a mentor, life coach, and father figure to generations of students in Sierra Leone and across the diaspora. His guidance helped shape numerous professionals in law, media, politics, and academia.
Dr. Kamara’s legacy extended well beyond the classroom. He was a respected political commentator and public intellectual, never shying away from addressing controversial national issues with clarity, fearlessness, and integrity.
“Dr. Kamara was not just a lecturer he was a fatherly figure, mentor, and counselor to hundreds of students in and out of Sierra Leone. His sharp voice echoes in my heart and mind,” said one law student.
His death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the nation, with many describing him as a beacon of knowledge, a pillar of justice, and a champion for democratic ideals.
Dr. Kamara’s knowledge of constitutional law, legal interpretation, philosophy, governance, religion, and media was unmatched. His students, colleagues, and admirers often described him as a walking encyclopedia a man whose intellectual depth and humility made him both formidable and approachable.
His passing marks the end of an era, but the legacy he leaves behind will endure. His life’s work will continue to inspire present and future generations of Sierra Leoneans committed to justice, scholarship, and nation-building.
At the time of publication, the cause of Dr. Kamara’s death remains undisclosed, and his family has asked for privacy as they prepare for his burial. The public is respectfully urged to exercise patience and restraint during this difficult period.
It is with deep sorrow but immense gratitude that this writer bids farewell to a mentor, lecturer, and father figure whose influence will never fade.
Mentor, Lecturer, Advocate, and Father to Countless Sons and Daughters in Sierra Leone and Beyond