By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has officially unveiled the maiden edition of its newsletter, SLAJ InFocus, marking a significant milestone in the Association’s efforts to strengthen internal communication, institutional transparency and professional development within the country’s media landscape.
The first edition of the newsletter, which covers the period June to December 2025, provides a comprehensive account of the Association’s activities, reforms, diplomatic engagements and capacity-building initiatives undertaken during the period.
In his welcome message, SLAJ President ,Alhaji Manika Kamara, described the publication as an important platform designed to document achievements, challenges and institutional progress while keeping members informed and engaged . He noted that the period under review was characterised by active advocacy, resilience and sustained efforts to defend press freedom and promote professionalism across Sierra Leone .
According to him, the newsletter reflects the Association’s commitment to projecting its values to the wider public and strengthening unity among journalists nationwide.
A central highlight of the publication is the historic leadership transition that took place in July 2025 at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown. The ceremony, themed: “Celebrating Service, Honouring Partnership, Ushering in a New Era,” symbolized continuity, accountability and institutional renewal.
During his inaugural address, Alhaji Manika Kamara pledged to implement his ACTION Manifesto, Advocacy, Commitment, Transparency, Innovation, Organisation and Networking, aimed at consolidating gains and repositioning SLAJ for greater impact.
He outlined five key priorities for his administration: enhancing safety and welfare protections for journalists, strengthening capacity and professionalism through sustained training, promoting unity and inclusion within the Association, deepening national and international partnerships and reinforcing institutional systems for long-term sustainability .
He stressed that leadership within SLAJ is a shared responsibility and called on members, regional executives and partners to work collectively in safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the profession.
The newsletter also captures the valedictory address of outgoing President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, who reflected on key milestones achieved during his tenure. Among them were the historic repeal of the criminal libel law, the enactment of the IMC Act 2020 and the establishment of the National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM).
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla also highlighted the development of major policy frameworks including the SLAJ Media Manifesto and the Gender Equality Policy for the Media, alongside strengthened partnerships both locally and internationally.
He described the Association’s reform journey as one driven by unity, strategic engagement and unwavering commitment to press freedom.
Beyond leadership matters, the newsletter documents a series of high-level courtesy visits and engagements undertaken by the new executive.
In October 2025, SLAJ paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Embassy in Freetown, where discussions focused on media training, exchange programmes and investment opportunities aimed at strengthening journalists’ professional capacity.
The Association also engaged the United States Embassy, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to press freedom and digital capacity building, including training in digital literacy and financial literacy for journalists.
Engagements with the British High Commission further reinforced long-standing collaboration, particularly around media reforms following the repeal of criminal libel and ongoing legislative review processes.
In a move to broaden international cooperation, SLAJ opened discussions with the Cuban Embassy aimed at fostering strategic media partnerships, professional exchanges and collaborative storytelling on Sierra Leone–Cuba relations.
On the domestic front, SLAJ engaged key state institutions including the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the Independent Media Commission (IMC) and the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA).
During those engagements, the Association raised concerns regarding regulatory challenges affecting certain media institutions and reiterated its advocacy for a stand-alone constitutional chapter guaranteeing press freedom and freedom of expression.
Those discussions underscore SLAJ’s commitment to constructive dialogue with Government and regulatory bodies in protecting media independence while promoting compliance and professionalism.
The publication also chronicles SLAJ’s continued collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police, building on the historic 2021 Memorandum of Understanding aimed at improving relations between journalists and law enforcement agencies.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to renewing and expanding the MoU to enhance mutual understanding, professional ethics and respect for democratic principles.
Capacity development remains central to SLAJ’s strategy. The newsletter documents a range of training workshops organized in partnership with development partners and institutions.
Those include training on transitional justice reporting, strengthening police communication capacity, environmental information access under the Right to Access Information Act, strategic communication workshops in collaboration with UNDP and audit reporting training with the Audit Service Sierra Leone.
Through those initiatives, SLAJ aims to equip journalists with technical knowledge and practical tools necessary to enhance investigative reporting, accountability journalism and professional standards nationwide.
The review of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) Act also featured prominently in the newsletter. SLAJ reiterated its support for transforming SLBC into an independent, financially autonomous public service broadcaster that serves all citizens impartially.
Alhaji Manika Kamara emphasized that a reformed SLBC would strengthen democracy by promoting editorial independence, diverse voices and improved working conditions for media professionals.
The newsletter further highlights courtesy visits to former SLAJ Presidents as part of efforts to reinforce institutional memory and continuity within the Association.
These engagements were described as symbolic affirmations of unity and respect for past leadership contributions, while seeking guidance for future reforms.
The unveiling of SLAJ InFocus signals more than the launch of a publication; it reflects a deliberate effort by the Association to institutionalize transparency, strengthen communication and preserve its reform legacy.
By documenting diplomatic engagements, advocacy initiatives, policy interventions and training programmes, the newsletter provides members and stakeholders with a structured account of the Association’s direction and priorities.
SLAJ continues to position itself as a leading voice in defending press freedom and advancing responsible journalism and the maiden edition of SLAJ InFocus stands as both a record of progress and a roadmap for the future.
With renewed leadership, strengthened partnerships and sustained reform advocacy, the Association appears poised to consolidate its gains and navigate the evolving media landscape with resilience and purpose.
