The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Mr. Alhaji Manika Kamara, has renewed calls for stronger protections for press freedom and freedom of expression in Sierra Leone. He made the call during his first official appearance at the Presidential Media Cocktail held on December 5, 2025, at the State House.
Speaking at the annual engagement hosted by the President’s Press Secretary, Kamara emphasised that while the repeal of criminal libel marked significant progress, Sierra Leone must accelerate legal reforms to safeguard journalists in the digital era. He urged the government to prioritise amendments to the Cyber Security law, the Counter-Terrorism Act, and the proposed Chapter 12 constitutional provision to ensure robust and modern protections for media freedom.
“The media is not an opponent of the State,” Kamara stated, reaffirming SLAJ’s commitment to a constructive partnership grounded in honesty, professional integrity, and accountability. He stressed that journalists must be allowed to operate without fear, intimidation, or undue interference.
The SLAJ president also highlighted his administration’s ACTION Manifesto, which focuses on strengthening accountability, improving professionalism, promoting innovation, enhancing media viability, and fostering national cohesion. He pledged continued collaboration with the Ministry of Information, IMC, RAIC, NaTCA, the Human Rights Commission, and security agencies to improve journalist welfare and media standards.
Kamara concluded with a call for a renewed pact between the State and the media, insisting that Sierra Leone’s democratic progress depends on a free, independent, and responsible press.
