Ramadhan Abubakar, a 38-year-old lawyer from Kenya, has recently been elected the new president of the East Africa Law Society (EALS). Known for his public interest litigation and unassuming demeanor, Abubakar’s journey to this role reflects his dedication to advocating for the rule of law and human rights across East Africa. Despite being a relatively unknown figure to the wider public, his accomplishments and influence in legal circles speak volumes.
Early Legal Career and Advocacy
Abubakar was called to the bar in 2012 and initially cut his teeth as a pro bono advocate. In this capacity, he represented the Law Society of Kenya in several public interest cases. One of his landmark cases in 2018 involved challenging the military’s eviction of 20,000 residents from a land in Isiolo. His legal team secured conservatory orders preventing the eviction, highlighting Abubakar’s skill in handling sensitive matters involving historical injustices and land rights. This victory underscores his commitment to using the law as a tool for social justice.
Abubakar’s approach to public interest litigation has remained consistent even as he rose through the ranks. His involvement in cases like the one in Embu, which secured free access to all medical P3 forms, illustrates his relentless pursuit of equity and fairness in the justice system. His strategic foresight and passion for the law were further evident when he won the seat as vice chair of the Mount Kenya chapter of the Law Society of Kenya in 2018. This role provided him with invaluable experience in leadership and advocacy, setting the stage for his subsequent election as the vice president of EALS in 2022.
Leading EALS into the Future
As the newly elected president of the EALS, Abubakar has set ambitious goals for his tenure. One of his top priorities is to address the challenges of cross-border practice among East African lawyers. Reflecting on the difficulties faced by Martha Karua in representing Kizza Besigye, Abubakar has pledged to work towards a seamless integration of legal practice across East Africa. He aims to revisit and possibly revive legislation that promotes reciprocal admission of lawyers between EAC member states, enhancing mobility and the ease of practicing law across borders.
In addition to cross-border practice, Abubakar is keen on harmonizing laws across the East African Community (EAC). He proposes a legislative review to ensure that legal frameworks are compatible across member states, which would facilitate smoother professional transitions for lawyers moving within the EAC. His vision includes the construction of an EALS headquarters and institute in Arusha, Tanzania, to serve as a hub for legal training and research. This development, coupled with the inclusion of Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo as members of the EALS, reflects Abubakar’s forward-thinking approach to regional integration.
Championing Human Rights and Rule of Law
Abubakar’s leadership at EALS will also focus on strengthening human rights advocacy. Under his presidency, the organization plans to conduct a comprehensive rule of law index across the region to measure adherence to constitutional principles and assess the quality of legal systems in EAC member states. This initiative will provide a benchmark for evaluating each country’s commitment to justice and human rights. Abubakar acknowledges the challenge of enforcing East African Court of Justice rulings and has committed to working with governments to improve compliance with these decisions.
Abubakar’s approach to leadership is characterized by his hands-on engagement in legal matters. His willingness to directly involve himself in cases such as the ongoing Besigye representation illustrates his pragmatic approach to issues affecting the region. He is committed to being a vocal advocate for justice, whether it involves addressing cross-border legal challenges or pushing for better adherence to court rulings.
Ramadhan Abubakar’s rise to the presidency of the EALS marks a significant milestone for the legal community in East Africa. His leadership is poised to bring about significant changes in how the region handles legal practice, human rights, and rule of law. Through his innovative and inclusive approach, Abubakar is set to guide the EALS into a new era of regional collaboration and advocacy. As he savors this moment of triumph, he remains focused on his vision of a unified East African legal profession that transcends borders and serves the interests of the people in the region.
In conclusion, Ramadhan Abubakar’s leadership of the East Africa Law Society is not just about overseeing legal practices across borders; it’s about ensuring that justice and fairness are accessible to everyone, regardless of their location. His commitment to public interest litigation and his pragmatic approach to legal challenges across East Africa make him a formidable leader, ready to steer the EALS into the future with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
