By David Yankay Sesay
Hon. Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara Engages Legal Community on “The Role of Lawyers in Sierra Leonean Politics”
In a pivotal gathering held at the Lagoonda Entertainment Complex in Aberdeen, Hon. Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, one of Sierra Leone’s most distinguished legal minds and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, met with a cross section of legal practitioners to discuss the evolving and critical role of lawyers in Sierra Leonean politics.
The event, themed “𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙇𝙖𝙬𝙮𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙖 𝙇𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙨,” brought together a wide array of legal professionals, including practicing attorneys, legal scholars, judicial officers, and law students. The objective was to critically examine the intersection between legal practice and political engagement, and how the legal community can contribute more meaningfully to the democratic and governance processes of the country.
Hon. Kamara, in his keynote address, emphasized the historical and moral responsibility of lawyers to uphold the rule of law, protect democratic institutions, and serve as guardians of constitutional governance. He challenged the legal fraternity to move beyond courtroom advocacy and play a more active role in shaping national policy, safeguarding civil liberties, and ensuring political accountability.
“*As architects of justice and custodians of the Constitution, lawyers must not shy away from political participation. Our silence in the face of injustice or poor governance makes us complicit*,” he remarked.
He also highlighted the need for legal practitioners to maintain ethical standards and independence, especially when entering political spaces. Hon. Kamara called for greater civic education, legal literacy, and reform driven leadership from within the legal profession.
The event featured a vibrant interactive session where attendees posed questions and shared their perspectives on legal activism, electoral justice, judicial independence, and political integrity. Discussions also touched on the challenges faced by lawyers who venture into politics, including partisanship, public perception, and systemic constraints.
The meeting concluded with a call to action for lawyers to rise to the occasion as thought leaders, policy advisors, and principled public servants, equipped not only with legal expertise but also with a vision for national development and democratic consolidation.
This gathering marks a significant step in reimagining the role of legal professionals in Sierra Leone’s political landscape and reflects a growing awareness of their capacity to influence meaningful change.
