The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) has expressed serious concern over persistent threats, intimidation, harassment and attacks against journalists in Sierra Leone, revealing that 109 cases of alleged press freedom violations have been documented since 2018.
In a statement issued on Monday, 2 November 2026, marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, MRCG called on the Government and relevant authorities to strengthen journalist protection, investigate reported violations and ensure accountability for crimes committed against media practitioners.
The organisation joined the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and other international media freedom organisations in commemorating the day under the theme, “Threats Evolve. Impunity Endures.”
MRCG maintained that journalists continue to face physical attacks, intimidation, harassment, cyberbullying and other forms of threats that undermine their independence and ability to report on matters of public interest.
According to the organisation, protecting journalists remains essential to strengthening democracy, promoting transparency and ensuring public accountability.
Providing details of its monitoring activities, MRCG disclosed that its Sixteenth Edition Report on Press Freedom in Sierra Leone documented 109 cases involving alleged violations against journalists and other media practitioners.
The organisation reported that 72 cases had been concluded, settled, resolved or dropped, while nine remained before the courts and 27 were under police investigation or classified as inconclusive. It also referenced nine abandoned cases.
However, the reported categories total 117, exceeding the stated figure of 109. The discrepancy requires clarification to establish the accurate number and status of documented cases.
Among the incidents highlighted were the reported intrusion by Sierra Leone Police personnel into the offices of Voice of Salone Newspaper, a court matter involving a cinematographer and alleged threats against journalists Thomas Dixon and Victor Jones.
MRCG attributed the reported threats against Dixon and Jones to Moses Mambu, National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). The allegations remain subject to appropriate investigation and due process.
The organisation emphasized that ending impunity requires effective investigations, prosecution of offenders and appropriate remedies for victims rather than public condemnation alone.
Its concerns come amid broader challenges confronting press freedom in Sierra Leone. The 2026 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders ranked Sierra Leone 79th out of 180 countries, compared with 56th in 2025.
Despite the repeal of criminal libel provisions in 2020, concerns persist over political pressure, journalist safety, digital harassment and institutional accountability.
MRCG consequently urged the Government, security agencies, judiciary, media institutions and civil society organisations to strengthen cooperation in protecting journalists and promoting digital security.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to working with SLAJ and other stakeholders to defend press freedom and ensure journalists perform their professional responsibilities without fear of intimidation, harassment or reprisals.
It stressed that meaningful protection of journalists requires sustained institutional action, accountability and justice, warning that continued impunity threatens freedom of expression, democratic governance and the public’s right to information.
