What about the Ordinary Man?

The stately home, usually a beacon of calm in the bustling city, now casts a long shadow of anxiety. For Lawyer Abdul Rahman Abass Kamara, a respected figure in Sierra Leone’s legal community for over fifteen years, the threat of losing his home hangs heavy. A court order looms, poised to seize his property over an alleged outstanding debt of US$40,000 to a former business partner. While the sum might seem modest, as compared to the legal battles he’s navigated for clients over the years, the circumstances surrounding this case have ignited a firestorm of concern, not just for Kamara, but for the integrity of the entire Sierra Leonean judiciary.

Kamara’s frustration is palpable. He argues that the debt in question was settled long ago, and he possesses the documentation to prove it. Yet, the wheels of the legal system, which he has served so diligently, seem to be grinding against him. Adding insult to injury, Kamara points to a far more significant issue – a previous court order, secured years ago, that mandated the recovery of over US$4 million for a client. That order remains unimplemented, mired in what he describes as bureaucratic inertia and, more worryingly, a lack of political will.

“It’s a matter of priorities,” Kamara stated, his voice laced with a mixture of bewilderment and outrage. “How can the court aggressively pursue me for a relatively small amount, while ignoring a case involving millions? It sends a clear message that justice, in this country, is not blind; it’s selectively focused.”

The situation has become a lightning rod, sparking a debate about the credibility of the judiciary, an institution already grappling with public skepticism. Sierra Leone’s court system has long been plagued by accusations of corruption, inefficiency, and political interference. Cases can drag on for years, verdicts are sometimes perceived as influenced by external pressures, and access to justice remains a privilege rather than a right for many citizens.

The irony is not lost on Kamara. He, a lawyer, a defender of the law, finds himself at its mercy, or perhaps, at its perceived lack of mercy. The potential loss of his home serves as a stark reminder that even those within the legal fraternity are not immune from the perceived failings of the system.

The core of the problem, according to legal analysts, lies in the perceived double standards and selective enforcement that erode public trust. When the judiciary appears to prioritize certain cases over others, or when it seems to favor powerful individuals or entities, the foundation of fairness and impartiality crumbles.

The question that hangs in the air, and which the public is increasingly demanding answers to, is this: If a lawyer of the country’s judicial system can be treated like this, what is the fate of the ordinary people taking their matters to court?

This is the question that the Judiciary of Sierra Leone must confront. It’s a question that goes beyond the specifics of Kamara’s case; it’s a question about the very soul of the legal system, and its ability to uphold the principles of justice for all.

What steps are being taken to address the backlog of cases? What measures are in place to ensure that court orders are executed promptly and fairly? How is the judiciary working to combat corruption and ensure that decisions are based solely on the merits of the case? These are the questions that demand answers.

The case of Abdul Rahman Abass Kamara is a test. It’s a test of the judiciary’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and equal justice under the law. It’s a test of whether the institution can rise above the existing challenges and reclaim the public’s trust.

The stakes are high. The perception that the judiciary is failing, or worse, complicit in injustice, undermines the rule of law, destabilizes society, and discourages investment and development. Sierra Leone cannot afford a legal system that is seen as biased or ineffective.

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone must respond. It must address the concerns raised by Kamara and the wider public. It must demonstrate that it is capable of dispensing justice fairly and impartially, regardless of an individual’s status or the size of the claim. The future of justice in Sierra Leone, and the well-being of its citizens, depends on it.