Tuma Adama Gento Jabbi has been elected as the new President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA).
Garnering a significant majority, Jabbi secured 506 votes, overwhelmingly defeating her opponents Wara Serry Kamal, who received 23 votes, and Augustine S. Marrah, who obtained 15 votes. The election, held amid a transient showdown, has been hailed as free and fair by observers.
The election saw a total of 1,200 registered voters, of which 572 cast their ballots. Notably, 28 votes were recorded as void, indicating a minor discrepancy but not enough to affect the overall outcome. The large margin of victory reflects strong support for Jabbi’s candidacy within the legal community.
1. You’ve served as Chairperson of the Sierra Leone Revenue Authority and now lead the Bar Association. What motivates your continued service to Sierra Leone?
Answer: My service is anchored in a profound sense of duty to my country. I am deeply committed to building institutions that work for the people, institutions that reflect justice, fairness, and integrity. Whether at the helm of the Revenue Authority or now leading the Bar Association, my motivation has always been the same: to leave things better than I met them and to contribute to a Sierra Leone where governance is transparent and justice is accessible.
2. What challenges have you faced as a woman leading two major national institutions—and how have you overcome them?
Answer: Leading as a woman often means navigating through deeply ingrained stereotypes and systemic barriers. I’ve faced skepticism, double standards, and the quiet resistance that many women in leadership will recognize. But I’ve never allowed those challenges to define me. I lead with competence, stay grounded in my principles, and let my work speak. I’ve learned that resilience, quiet strength, and a results-oriented approach are powerful tools for breaking ceilings and paving the way for others.
3. What are your priorities as the current President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association?
Answer: My foremost priority is restoring and strengthening the independence and credibility of the legal profession. I am particularly focused on improving access to justice for marginalized and vulnerable communities. I also believe strongly in investing in the next generation, mentoring young lawyers and creating more inclusive spaces where women and underrepresented voices can thrive in leadership within the legal ecosystem.
4. Looking back at your time at the Revenue Authority, what legacy do you hope you left behind?
Answer: I would hope my tenure is remembered for ushering in a culture of reform, transparency, and institutional accountability. We modernized systems, closed loopholes, and improved revenue mobilization in ways that strengthened the state’s capacity to deliver for its people. But more than that, I’m proud of nurturing a professional culture where young talents were recognized, mentored, and empowered to lead with integrity.
5. How do you balance your demanding roles with your personal life and well-being?
Answer: Balance is not a destination, it’s a daily discipline. I remain intentional about creating space for rest, prayer, and quality time with family. Leadership, at its best, flows from a place of groundedness. I’ve come to understand that caring for oneself is not just personal, it is part of responsible leadership. I also draw strength from a strong support network, and I believe in delegating and trusting the teams I work with.
6. What message would you give to young African women dreaming of leading change in law, governance, or public service?
Answer: To every young woman with a dream, believe in it, and believe in yourself. Those without dreams should desire a life with dreams. Let your values guide you along the process. You don’t have to conform to be accepted; your difference is your strength. Speak with clarity, lead with heart, and never forget that the spaces you step into are bigger than you; they are doors through which many others will follow. Africa needs your voice, your ideas, and your courage.
