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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: The West African Bar Association (WABA) has announced a major leadership change following the resignation of its President, Mr. Ousmane Bouba Traore.
By Benjamin Quaye Johnson benjaminqjohnson@gmail.com
The resignation, which took effect immediately, was confirmed by the WABA Secretariat over the weekend.
Mr. Traore, who served a brief but impactful tenure, stepped down citing personal reasons. His presidency was marked by a strong commitment to regional legal integration, human rights advocacy, and the promotion of judicial integrity across West Africa.
In line with WABA’s constitution, Vice President Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah has assumed the role of Acting President, also effective immediately. Cllr. Varmah is a widely respected international trade lawyer and currently serves as President of the Liberian National Bar Association.
The leadership transition was formally announced during a virtual Executive Committee meeting held on Friday, June 13, 2025. In his remarks, Acting President Varmah expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him and acknowledged the legacy of his predecessor.
“I am honored to assume this responsibility at such a critical juncture,” Cllr. Varmah said. “We remain committed to the shared vision of a just, democratic, and peaceful West Africa. I extend my profound gratitude to Mr. Traore for his dedicated service and look forward to building upon the solid foundation he established.”
Despite the leadership change, WABA reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to its core mission: upholding the rule of law, promoting judicial independence, and fighting corruption and impunity throughout the region.
“At this pivotal moment in WABA’s history, the Executive Committee remains resolute in fulfilling the association’s founding objectives,” the statement noted. “These include safeguarding the independence, incorruptibility, and impartiality of the judiciary across West Africa.”
To ensure inclusive dialogue and sustained momentum, WABA has notified all national Bar Associations across the sub-region of the leadership change. The organization also announced plans to convene a General Meeting of Bar leaders in Nigeria.
The meeting is expected to focus on formalizing the leadership transition, refining WABA’s organizational strategies, and strengthening its legal advocacy platform amid ongoing democratic and judicial challenges facing the region.
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