Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah, a prominent lawyer and activist, has announced his candidacy for the presidency of the Sierra Leone Bar Association. In a tweet, he declared his intention to contest the upcoming elections during the association’s annual general meeting scheduled for May 17-18, 20241.
Marrah’s campaign centers around a powerful vision: “RECLAIM THE BAR.” He aims to empower the membership of the bar association, ensuring that they regain ownership and control over its destiny. With unwavering determination, Marrah promises to lead the charge, guided by the help of God Almighty1.
As the election season unfolds, Marrah will share critical aspects of his manifesto with the public. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of legal professionals underscores his dedication to the cause. The Sierra Leone Bar Association can expect a renewed sense of purpose and direction under his leadership1.
In a nation where legal matters play a crucial role in shaping society, Marrah’s candidacy represents a significant opportunity for positive change. As he steps forward, we eagerly await further details from his manifesto and wish him the best in his pursuit of a reinvigorated bar association
Marrah, a Giraffe Hero recognized by the Giraffe Heroes Project, has been at the forefront of seeking justice for Sierra Leoneans. In 2021, he was found guilty of criminal contempt after challenging a ruling by the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone. The court charged him with “unprofessional misconduct” due to his failure to appear before the court following a social media post that the court deemed “contemptuous and demeaning to the sanctity and integrity of the Court” 1.
Undeterred by this setback, Marrah continues to advocate for transparency and accountability. Recently, he filed papers in the Supreme Court challenging the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) for denying him access to disaggregated polling station results—the Reconciliation and Result Forms. Marrah argues that this denial violates his constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression and access to information. His plea has garnered support from national and international bodies, including the Carter Center, the EU Observer Mission, the US Embassy, and the National Elections Watch. These organizations encourage the ECSL to release the disaggregated data, allowing citizens to verify election results 1.
Despite facing legal obstacles, Marrah remains resolute. He seeks intervention from the highest court in Sierra Leone, requesting that the Supreme Court order the ECSL to provide him with the original copies of all 11,712 polling station results within seven days. However, the Supreme Court has cited procedural non-compliance, emphasizing the need for adherence to court rules. Marrah defends his actions, asserting that his filing adhered to legal provisions and highlighting the potential impact on democracy
