President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Wednesday 14 February 2024 welcomed the outgoing executive members of the Sierra Leone Bar Association to discuss their achievements during their tenure. He commended their leadership and dedication to nation-building.
President Bio expressed gratitude for their support and lauded their successful initiatives, particularly highlighting their collaboration with UK Judges to provide advocacy training in Sierra Leone for the first time. He emphasized the importance of such training in enhancing the legal profession’s quality.
Eddinia Michaela Swallow Esq., the Bar Association’s President, expressed appreciation for President Bio’s support and outlined their successful projects, including the Dems Project for Boys. This initiative aimed to provide legal aid, skills training, and counselling to juvenile boys in conflict with the law, resulting in a significant percentage being acquitted and discharged since its launch in June 2023.
In response, President Bio acknowledged the crucial role of lawyers, both domestically and internationally and commended their collective leadership. He assured them of his ongoing support and encouraged their successor to rely on his assistance.
President Bio praised the Bar Association’s efforts in assisting young boys in conflict with the law, emphasizing the importance of offering second chances and rehabilitation opportunities. He expressed gratitude for their role in saving lives and futures and encouraged continued attention to juvenile justice issues.
The President concluded by advocating for a compassionate approach to juvenile offenders and urged future efforts to prioritize support for at-risk youth.
Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between the Government and legal professionals in advancing the rule of law and ensuring access to justice in Sierra Leone.
