West African Bar Association Elects LNBA President as Head  -Source Contends ‘It Affirms Liberia’s Leadership in International Legal Affairs’

By H Matthew Turry

MONROVIA – National President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, has been elected to the presidency of the West African Bar Association (WABA), following the resignation of WABA’s President, Mr. Ousmane Bauba Traore, on June 15, 2025.

According to the LNBA release issued Wednesday, 18 June 2025, the former West African Bar Association head, Mr Ousmane Bauba Traore, tendered his resignation citing personal reasons.

His tenure, though brief, was marked by a steadfast and unwavering commitment to justice, regional legal integration, and the protection and promotion of human rights across West Africa, said a bar release issued this week.

In keeping with the governing provisions of the WABA Constitution, which provide for the Vice President to assume the office of President in the event of a vacancy, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, by virtue of his position as Vice President, now serves as Acting President of WABA, effective immediately, the release said, stating Cllr. Varmah’s elevation to this esteemed role is a source of immense pride for the Liberian legal community and the nation at large.

“A seasoned legal luminary, accomplished administrator, and recognized International Trade Lawyer, Cllr. Varmah has served WABA with distinction, exhibiting unwavering commitment, ethical leadership, and an unrelenting dedication to the rule of law and human rights,” the release said.

The release noted that Cllr Varmah ascension is not merely a procedural fulfillment of constitutional mandate, but it is also a decisive and timely step in the right direction, adding, “It underscores the trust and confidence reposed in him by his regional colleagues and acknowledges his contributions to WABA’s strategic vision and institutional growth. As a statesman and legal reformer, Cllr. Varmah brings to the presidency a depth of experience and insight into the legal and governance challenges facing the West African Sub-region.”

Varmah is said to have over the years spoken fearlessly and consistently on issues pertaining to good governance, democratic accountability, the independence of the judiciary, and respect for fundamental human rights.

The Liberian National Bar Association has expressed its profound confidence that Cllr. Varman would bring honour and substance to his new role, and will continue to promote the core objectives of WABA.

The objectives of WABA is to strengthen the voice of legal professionals across the sub region, advancing the harmonization of legal standards and practices, including defending the rights of legal practitioners and civil society actors and promoting justice, democracy, and human dignity throughout West Africa, amongst others.

“Cllr. Varmah’s elevation is not only a national milestone for the LNBA but also a reaffirmation of Liberia’s continued leadership in legal affairs within the region,” the statement said.

“We offer our full support to President Varmah in this new responsibility and remain optimistic that he will serve with the same integrity, excellence, and dedication that have long characterized his professional life,” the statement expressed.

“The LNBA, on behalf of its entire membership, extends sincere appreciation to Mr. Traore for his service and dedication to the ideals of the legal profession in the region,” the LNBA release concluded.

Founded in the early 2000s, the West African Bar Association was born out of the growing need to provide a unified legal voice for the defense of democracy and human rights in the ECOWAS region. At the time when civil wars, authoritarianism, and legal impunity plagued much of West Africa, WABA emerged as a platform for lawyers and legal practitioners to act not only as interpreters of the law but as guardians of public accountability and regional peace.

The regional legal body played a central role during the civil unrest in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire, issuing strong legal opinions and mobilizing lawyers to observe elections and document human rights abuses. It partnered with ECOWAS institutions and international civil society to push for constitutionalism and judicial independence across member states.

The West African regional bar interventions were particularly notable during Liberia transition from war to peace, supporting local bar associations and civil society actors in constitutional reforms, transitional justice, and the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

The organization has also been a vocal critic of arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and political interference in the judiciary in countries such as Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso.