The Barreau de Guinée celebrated its 40th anniversary on November 13, 2026, with a grand ceremony at the Palais du Peuple in Conakry. The event was attended by judicial and political authorities, Guinean lawyers, and representatives from various professional organizations. The celebration was themed "Justice, Liberty, and Independence: The Barreau Facing the Requirements of the Rule of Law." The ceremony marked the culmination of several days of festivities and reflections on the institution's four decades of existence.
The celebrations included scientific conferences, a presentation of the members of the Conseil de l'Ordre and former bâtonniers, a film screening documenting the institution's history, and a gala dinner. The event was presided over by the President of the National Assembly, Dr. Dansa Kourouma, who was the sponsor of the celebration. The Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Ibrahima Sory II Tounkara, was also in attendance. The ceremony highlighted the importance of the Barreau in promoting justice, liberty, and independence in Guinea.
The Prosecutor General near the Supreme Court, Sidy Souleymane N'Diaye, emphasized the complementarity between the Barreau and the public prosecutor's office in defending liberties and consolidating the rule of law. He stated that without lawyers, there can be no good justice. N'Diaye acknowledged the challenges facing the judicial system, including slow procedures, prolonged detentions, and insufficient resources. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with the Barreau to address these issues and promote a better administration of justice.
The bâtonnier of the Guinean Barreau, Me Mamadou Souaré Diop, paid tribute to former bâtonniers and generations of lawyers who contributed to building the institution. He emphasized that the 40 years of existence constitute a collective heritage that transcends individual mandates. Diop defended the independence of lawyers as a fundamental guarantee for citizens and stressed the need for accessible justice. He outlined priorities for the future, including strengthening initial and continuous training, professional discipline, and assistance to vulnerable persons.
Dr. Dansa Kourouma, President of the National Assembly, praised the Barreau's four decades of commitment to defending liberties and consolidating the rule of law. He described the 40-year milestone as an age of maturity, where an institution must fully assume its identity and responsibilities. Kourouma recalled his involvement with the civil society and the support he received from lawyers in defending liberties and assisting vulnerable groups.
The Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Ibrahima Sory II Tounkara, saluted the Barreau's 40 years of engagement in serving the justice system and defending fundamental rights. He emphasized that a free and independent Barreau is essential for the functioning of equitable justice. Tounkara acknowledged the challenges facing the judicial system and reaffirmed his commitment to working with the Barreau to promote justice and the rule of law.
The celebration of the Barreau de Guinée's 40th anniversary highlights the institution's significant role in promoting justice, independence, and the rule of law in Guinea. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the institution's achievements and challenges and to look forward to the future. The Barreau's commitment to defending liberties and promoting accessible justice remains crucial for the country's development and growth.
Key points
- The Barreau de Guinée celebrated its 40th anniversary with a ceremony emphasizing independence and the rule of law.
- The institution has played a significant role in promoting justice, liberty, and independence in Guinea.
- The Barreau's future priorities include strengthening training, professional discipline, and assistance to vulnerable persons.
