By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Sierra Leone Government has been urged to take “the next step” in addressing outstanding concerns over media freedom following the signing into law of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2025 and ahead of upcoming parliamentary discussions. The call was made by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), which commended recent progress but stressed the need for further reforms.
The IFJ joined its affiliate, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), in welcoming President Julius Maada Bio’s formal signing into law in September 2025 of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2025. The legislation includes significant amendments that addressed media freedom concerns previously raised by SLAJ and other media stakeholders.
While applauding the development, the Federation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting SLAJ’s continued advocacy for additional measures to promote and safeguard media freedom in Sierra Leone. Particular concern was raised over Section 44 (2) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act, which media advocates argue poses a threat to freedom of expression and media rights.
According to the IFJ, despite the progress made with the Counter-Terrorism Act, urgent attention must now be directed at reviewing and amending provisions within the Cyber Security and Crime Act that could potentially undermine independent journalism.
In addition, the IFJ joined calls for the inclusion of a standalone chapter in the 1991 Constitution to strengthen constitutional protections for media freedom and freedom of expression. The proposed Chapter 12, advanced by SLAJ and its partners, seeks to formally recognize the media as a public good, safeguard editorial independence, guarantee access to information and set constitutional limits on state interference in media operations.
IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, welcomed the reforms already achieved but emphasized that more work remains to be done.
“Important steps have been taken in recent months to advance media rights in Sierra Leone and we welcome the progress made by SLAJ and its allies in securing important amendments to the Counter-Terrorism Act which protect media freedom,” he stated.
“But now the Government must take the next steps and urgently review the Cyber Security and Crime Act to ensure it does not undermine independent journalism and media freedom. For the longer term, we urge the constitutional review process to adopt SLAJ’s call for a stand-alone Chapter 12 which would help ensure that citizens’ rights to information are protected by constitutional guarantees of media freedom and freedom of expression,” Anthony Bellanger added.
Media stakeholders continue to stress that strengthening legal and constitutional protections is essential to consolidating democratic governance, transparency, and accountability in Sierra Leone.
