By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) has on Saturday November 2, 2024 amplified its advocacy for the safety of journalists in Sierra Leone as it commemorates the ‘International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists’ today. This year’s observance, held in partnership with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and various global organizations, focuses on the theme “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies.”
The United Nations General Assembly established November 2 as a day to honor journalists who have lost their lives, specifically marking the assassinations of two French journalists in Mali in 2013. The resolution encourages member states to combat the culture of impunity that allows violence against media professionals to persist. It calls on nations to take decisive actions, ensuring the prosecution of perpetrators and providing redress for victims.
The UNESCO Observatory of Killed Journalists reports a staggering figure of over 1,700 journalists killed globally between 2006 and 2024, with approximately 90% of these cases remaining unsolved. The prevalence of impunity often correlates with a rise in violence and the deterioration of legal frameworks.
Since 2018, the MRCG, supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), has diligently monitored media freedom in Sierra Leone. Its latest report reveals that it has tracked 82 cases of harassment, intimidation, and violence against journalists, with 57 cases resolved, six currently in court, 19 under police investigation, and nine abandoned due to a lack of progress.
The MRCG has documented several specific incidents in Sierra Leone since January 2024, including the detention of Alie Bai Kamara from Citizen Radio, the arrest of Emmanuel C. Thorli from Night Watch Newspaper, and various instances of online harassment targeting journalists like Amadu Lamrana Bah and Patrick Kai. Other notable cases include assaults by police officers on reporters and allegations of cyberstalking against media personnel.
Furthermore, the MRCG highlights that threats to journalists’ safety are not limited to government and police actions; local authorities and the public also pose risks, particularly in online interactions.
A recent MRCG report, “The Welfare of Journalists in Sierra Leone 2024,” reveals alarming trends in journalist welfare, with many journalists reporting unpaid salaries and inadequate working conditions. Approximately 40.3% of journalists have never received salaries, and 48.3% earn less than the national minimum wage, which stands at approximately $35.
In light of these findings, the MRCG reiterates its call to the Sierra Leonean government, political leaders, media organizations, and civil society to prioritize the safety and welfare of journalists, ensuring their protection and support in their crucial role as watchdogs in society.
