Democracy deficit in one African country will affect the overall investment dividend of Africa

In another development, heads of bar associations and law societies have said that a democracy deficit in one African country would ultimately affect the overall commercial or investment dividend of Africa as a whole.

They noted that it was important for legal practitioners on the continent to support the efforts of their colleagues and counterparts within the region, in the call for adherence to the Rule of Law and Good Governance; noting that a stable and secure environment is critical for the commercial success of the legal professional.

“We cannot, as lawyers divorce ourselves from issues of good governance and rule of law; this means that the African Bar has to be at the forefront in the call for calm, return to constitutionalism and the respect of the Rule of Law across African countries,” it was said.

Addressing very issues vital to the growth of lawyers in the region at the ABLC gathering, the leaders stated that the situation if not checked, could adversely impact the ‘earning capacity’ of lawyers in Africa.

“It also fits into our duty to the public as lawyers, to advocate for public good and the rule of law,” they said.

In 2011, when the military invaded the High Court in Uganda to forcefully re-arrest the individuals who had been freed on bail by the High Court, the EALS responded to a call by the Uganda Law Society to add its voice to the blatant disregard to the independence of the Judiciary by the Executive; and lack of respect for rule of law by the government of Uganda.

A significant take home for conferees however, was the charge to ensure effective regional integration by building the professional capacity and skills of legal professionals. This they agree could be achieved with continuous training, to ensure their competitiveness and relevance in an increasingly dynamic Africa.