By Esther Wright
Manuel Müller, the European Union Ambassador to Sierra Leone, on August 20, 2024 paid a farewell visit to the Independent Media Commission (IMC) at its headquarters on 54 Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown.
Ambassador Müller was warmly received by IMC Chairman, Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa, alongside other Commissioners and staff members. The visit commenced with Chairman, Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa, delivering a welcome address, followed by the Executive Secretary, Khalil Kallon, introducing the Commissioners and staff.
In his speech, Ambassador Müller underscored his dedication to Press Freedom, highlighting his close collaboration with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and media practitioners. He praised the successful Press Freedom Day held in 2022, sponsored by the EU, and stressed the importance of ongoing cooperation among journalists. He also reflected on the EU’s recent countrywide tour aimed at promoting press freedom and media inclusivity.
Ambassador Müller shared insights from his tour, which provided a deeper understanding of media-related initiatives in Sierra Leone. He noted that the tour allowed media practitioners, including bloggers and social media journalists, to connect more deeply with various regions of the country.
The Ambassador described his visit to the IMC as both a farewell and a chance to understand the challenges facing the media sector and the Commission’s future plans for media development.
In response, IMC Chairman Kapuwa outlined several challenges, including difficulties in monitoring media content and the issue of media institutions failing to renew their registrations. He highlighted the need for merging media entities, improving training for community radio Station Managers and enhancing governance structures within community radios. Egbenda Kapuwa also discussed the ongoing review of the IMC Act 2020, aimed at incorporating new media into the regulatory framework.
Executive Secretary, Khalil Kallon emphasized the critical role of community radios in Sierra Leone’s democratic process and accountability. He expressed concern over the takeover of community radios by individuals, leading to a loss of community ownership. Khalil Kallon revealed that the IMC has developed a framework to strengthen governance and management structures for community radios and advocated for sustainable solutions, such as solar panels, to address electricity issues. He also expressed gratitude for the EU’s support in monitoring media coverage during the recent elections.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Müller reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting community radios and pledged that the EU would address these issues early next year. He shared his experiences with social media and stressed the need to adapt to the evolving media landscape.
The visit concluded with Ambassador Müller expressing his appreciation for the IMC’s support and his hope to return to Sierra Leone in the future.
