The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has condemned an alleged threat against journalist Thomas Josephus Dixon, Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors and Managing Editor of the New Age Newspaper, reportedly made by Moses Sellu Mambu, National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), following a television programme at Africa Young Voices (AYV) in Freetown on Sunday, 27 September 2026.
In a press release signed by SLAJ National Secretary General Edward Fara Marrah on Tuesday, 6 October 2Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ)Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ)026, the Association described the allegation as serious and called for an immediate, impartial and credible investigation by the appropriate authorities.
According to a formal complaint received by SLAJ, Dixon alleged that after the programme, Mambu approached him in the presence of programme presenter Victor Jones and videographer Abu Bakarr Kamara and said: “We will hit you hard! This is the same reason for which your friend Samura was killed the last time.”
SLAJ said Dixon subsequently provided the Association with a formal eyewitness account that corroborated the allegation.
The Association described the reported statement as extremely grave and disturbing, particularly because it allegedly invoked the death of journalist Ibrahim Samura, who died following a physical assault sustained while covering the 2018 elections. Criminal proceedings arising from the case subsequently ended in acquittals.
SLAJ said the allegation was sufficiently serious to warrant an immediate, impartial and credible investigation to establish exactly what happened.
SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara said a threat against a journalist should not be treated merely as a personal matter, noting that such incidents have wider implications for press freedom and the public’s right to information.
“A threat against a journalist should not be seen as a personal matter only; it is a direct threat to the free press and, by extension, the public’s right to know. Journalists must never be forced to choose between carrying out their professional duty and protecting their lives,” Kamara stated.
He added that the reported reference to the death of another journalist made the allegation particularly alarming.
“Whether such words were intended as a threat or otherwise must be established through a proper investigation. What cannot be acceptable is for any journalist to be left living in fear because of his or her professional work,” he said.
Mambu, when contacted by SLAJ Secretary General Edward Fara Marrah, denied the allegation. According to the SLAJ statement, he maintained that after the live programme, he had only cautioned Dixon to be careful.
SLAJ has consequently called on the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant authorities to urgently investigate the complaint, establish the facts surrounding the reported incident and take appropriate action.
The Association also called on the leadership of the SLPP to publicly reaffirm its commitment to the safety of journalists and make clear that threats or intimidation against journalists are unacceptable, regardless of political affiliation or circumstance.
SLAJ further urged the authorities to assess the security concerns raised by Dixon and, where necessary, take appropriate measures to ensure his safety and that of his family while the matter is being investigated.
The Association maintained that freedom of expression and freedom of the press cannot be fully enjoyed in an environment where journalists operate under threats of violence or fear for their safety.
SLAJ said it would continue to monitor the matter closely and stands ready to provide appropriate support to the affected journalist within its mandate.
At the same time, the Association urged journalists to continue carrying out their professional responsibilities with courage, accuracy, fairness and adherence to professional ethics. It also encouraged political actors and public officials to resolve disagreements with the media through lawful and democratic means.
Reaffirming its position, SLAJ declared: “Criticism of journalism may be legitimate; intimidation and threats against journalists are not.”
