By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, has underscored the urgent need for stronger institutional independence, legal unity and sustained reforms as essential pillars for deepening democracy in Sierra Leone.
Delivering a goodwill statement at the Second Annual General Meeting of the Lawyers’ Society Sierra Leone held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown on Wednesday 8 April 2026, Alhaji Manika Kamara praised the legal body for sustaining what he described as a vital platform for reflection, dialogue and professional engagement.
Addressing the gathering under the theme: “Institutional Independence and Reforms: Pillars of Democracy,” the SLAJ President noted that the subject remains both timely and critical as Sierra Leone continues its democratic consolidation journey.
He stressed that institutional independence remains the bedrock upon which public trust is built, emphasizing that citizens are more likely to believe in governance systems when institutions, whether legal, media, electoral or administrative, are seen as credible, impartial and accountable.
According to him, whenever the independence of institutions comes under doubt, public confidence begins to erode, creating vulnerabilities that ultimately weaken democracy and national cohesion.
Alhaji Manika Kamara observed that journalists witness daily how the strength or fragility of institutions directly shapes public discourse, governance outcomes and national stability.
He said both the media and the legal profession occupy uniquely strategic positions in safeguarding democracy, describing the two professions as watchdogs and defenders whose missions, though distinct, are deeply interconnected through their shared commitment to truth, justice and accountability.
Speaking on current developments within Sierra Leone’s legal landscape, the SLAJ President carefully addressed the growing emergence of new professional legal groupings alongside the longstanding Sierra Leone Bar Association.
He noted that while SLAJ firmly supports the constitutional right to freedom of association, the proliferation of parallel legal bodies reflects tensions that deserve serious and constructive attention.
Alhaji Manika Kamara warned that a fragmented legal profession could pose significant risks not only to the profession itself but also to the justice system and the broader democratic order of the country.
He reiterated SLAJ’s principled position that Sierra Leone is best served by a strong, independent and unified Bar, clarifying that unity should never be mistaken for suppression of diverse opinions.
Rather, he argued that diversity of thought must coexist with cohesion, mutual respect and constructive engagement among all actors within the legal profession.
The SLAJ President therefore encouraged continued dialogue among legal stakeholders aimed at bridging divisions, reinforcing institutional integrity and rebuilding public confidence in the justice sector.
He described the matter as both an internal professional necessity and a national democratic imperative.
Reaffirming SLAJ’s readiness to work with all legal bodies, including the Lawyers’ Society, the Sierra Leone Bar Association and other emerging formations, Alhaji Manika Kamara said the Association remains firmly committed to promoting the rule of law, defending fundamental human rights and protecting press freedom and freedom of expression.
He also used the occasion to call on professionals in both the media and legal sectors to move beyond public rhetoric and embrace deliberate action.
According to him, the era when institutions relied solely on issuing statements has long passed, stressing that meaningful democratic growth now requires sustained engagement, policy influence, collaborative reform initiatives and principled advocacy.
He maintained that democracy cannot be strengthened by words alone but through deliberate, consistent and action-oriented efforts.
Highlighting the immense potential for stronger collaboration between the media and the legal community, Alhaji Manika Kamara said both professions can jointly champion transparency, judicial accountability, legal and policy reforms, and the protection of citizens’ rights, including the rights and safety of journalists.
As deliberations continued at the AGM, he urged members of the legal fraternity to focus not only on the ideal of institutional independence but also on the practical mechanisms required to protect it through ethics, accountability, reforms and unity of purpose.
He concluded by encouraging the Lawyers’ Society to use the AGM as a moment to reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, integrity and national service.
“The country looks up to you not only as interpreters of the law, but as custodians of justice and defenders of democracy,” he emphasized.
The SLAJ President finally wished the Society fruitful and impactful deliberations, while expressing optimism that stronger synergy between the media and legal sectors will continue to advance democratic governance and public trust in Sierra Leone.
