By Amin Kef-Ranger
A high-level delegation from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is in Sierra Leone on a three-day mission aimed at supporting press freedom, freedom of expression, and the welfare and protection of journalists across the country.
The three-member delegation, comprising IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger, Projects Manager Nisrine Salameh, and Expert Advisor Jeremy Dear, arrived in Freetown on June 17, 2026, and has since embarked on a series of engagements with government officials, labour representatives, media regulators, and journalists. The delegation is being hosted by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), led by its President, Alhaji Manika Kamara.
The visit comes at a critical moment as Sierra Leone continues consultations toward the adoption of a new Constitution. SLAJ has been advocating for the inclusion of a standalone chapter dedicated to freedom of expression, media freedom, access to information, and communication rights within the proposed constitutional framework.
One of the delegation’s key engagements was with the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, who reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to press freedom, freedom of expression, and the safety and security of journalists.
Introducing the delegation, SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara explained that the IFJ team was in Sierra Leone to support SLAJ’s advocacy efforts for constitutional protection of media rights while also collaborating with the Reporters Union of Sierra Leone to advance better working conditions and welfare for journalists.
Attorney General Alpha Sesay welcomed the delegation and described the media as one of the government’s strongest partners. Addressing SLAJ’s proposal for a standalone media chapter in the Constitution, he confirmed that the issue remains under consideration as part of the ongoing constitutional review process.
He stressed that media scrutiny is an essential component of democratic accountability and disclosed that the government is proposing a comprehensive Bill of Rights in the new Constitution to strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights and liberties. He also assured SLAJ of continued collaboration on media development issues.
The IFJ delegation expressed strong support for SLAJ’s campaign and pledged solidarity in efforts to improve journalists’ welfare, safety, and professional protection. The delegation also commended the Attorney General for his support for media freedom and democratic governance.
During the discussions, concerns were raised regarding the implementation of the Cyber Security and Crime Act. The Attorney General acknowledged that some provisions have affected journalists and revealed that efforts are underway to review the legislation, alongside the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Act and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) Act, to improve clarity and strengthen their intended objectives.
The delegation also met with the Chief Director of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Alimamy Lahai Kamara, who represented both the Minister and Deputy Minister. He highlighted the strong working relationship between the Government and SLAJ, noting that the government continues to support the Association while respecting its watchdog role.
Kamara described the repeal of the criminal and seditious libel law as one of the government’s landmark reforms, emphasizing that it has significantly expanded media space and enabled journalists and digital media platforms to hold public institutions accountable.
On journalists’ welfare, he called for broader collaboration involving SLAJ, media owners, the Reporters Union, the Ministry of Labour, and the IMC to collectively address challenges facing reporters and media workers.
The IFJ delegation further held discussions with officials of the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC), where Secretary-General Max K. Conteh welcomed the visit and pledged the Congress’s support for initiatives aimed at improving journalists’ welfare and labour conditions.
Conteh revealed that new labour regulations require employers to maintain dedicated end-of-service benefit accounts for workers and encouraged stronger cooperation among SLAJ, the Reporters Union, and the SLLC to ensure journalists fully benefit from existing labour protections.
As part of the visit and the European Union-funded MEDIA Project, implemented through BBC Media Action, the IFJ delegation is facilitating a training programme for journalists on safety, security, welfare, labour rights, and risk management. The training is expected to equip media practitioners with practical skills to navigate the increasingly challenging media environment.
SLAJ has welcomed the IFJ visit as a significant boost to its advocacy campaign and a recognition of Sierra Leone’s progress in media reforms. The Association, however, maintains that more work remains to secure lasting constitutional guarantees for media freedom and journalists’ rights.
The IFJ delegation is expected to conclude its engagements and depart Sierra Leone on June 21, 2026, after reinforcing international solidarity with Sierra Leonean journalists and supporting efforts to strengthen democratic freedoms and professional standards within the media sector.
