By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), with support for International Media Support (IMS), has on Friday 29thSeptember, 2023 concluded a one-day Post-Election Police, Political Parties, CSOs, Media National Dialogue Forum. The One-day Forum which brought together police personnel, journalists and CSOs across the country was held at Cabenda Hotel on Signal Hill in Freetown.
In his welcome address, the Program Officer of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), Augustine James, said that the essence of the dialogue is to consolidate the remarkable progress achieved thus far and to reaffirm commitment to a free, fair, and safe environment for journalists during and after election coverage.
He said that the gathering looked at gains made and also the challenges encountered and further put together recommendations moving forward.
Augustine James said that the Media Reform Coordinating Group and partners are very pleased with the recommendations from participants towards the exceptional role the media played in the June 24 2023 elections which many said is as a result of the training conducted by MRCG and other institutions for journalists prior to the elections.
He said that after the Post-Election Police, Political Parties, CSOs, Media National Dialogue Forum, recommendations captured will enhance further steps towards strengthening the relationship between the media and various stakeholders in the country.
The President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone, Eastina Taylor, said in Sierra Leone, as in many other parts of the world, the role of media in upholding democracy cannot be overstated, adding that the media act as a watchdog of truth, the facilitators of informed choices, and the champions of transparency.
She noted that the gathering is not just to celebrate past achievements but to reaffirm their commitment to fostering collaboration between the media and all stakeholders recognizing that the synergy between media, politicians, civil society organizations, and community leaders is essential in reporting on post-election-related activities.
“In this endeavor, Women in the Media Sierra Leone is committed to playing its part. We are proud of the incredible work that our female journalists have done, often facing unique challenges, to bring diverse perspectives to the forefront. Our commitment to balance and inclusive reporting remains unwavering,” she disclosed.
Eastina Taylor concluded by extending deepest appreciation to MRCG, IMS, and all participants for their dedication to this cause. She called on all to embark on the journey towards strengthening collaboration, ensuring journalists’ safety, and reporting on election-related activities with integrity and responsibility.
The Head of Media at the Sierra Leone Police, Asp Brima Kamara said that the Sierra Leone Police has the responsibility to protect lives and properties in the country.
He said that the just concluded elections was described as one of the most peaceful elections which he said was a result of the levelled playing ground provided by the Sierra Leone Police during the elections.
He said owing to the fact that the media and the Sierra Leone Police played a critical role in the country they saw the need for trainings to be organized between the media and the Sierra Leone on their roles and responsibilities especially when covering elections, stating that due to those trainings both media practitioners and police personnel were equipped with the necessary knowledge on their roles and responsibilities which, he said, contributed to the smooth working relationship between the media and the security sector with no report of intimidation, assault or arrest against journalists.
Giving his keynote address, the Chairman of the Independent Media Commission, Dr. Victor Massaquoi, said two years ago the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Security sector particularly the Sierra Leone Police, adding two years later but more especially after the elections he is deeply pleased to announced that the level of media compliance to the IMC’s elections coverage regulations was very high before, during and after the elections process.
He said that with over 500 registered media houses in the country only 8 media houses contradicted certain provisions in the IMC 2022 Regulations with no clash with the security sector and other Election Management Bodies.
Dr. Victor Massaquoi said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) signed and the Sierra Leone Police worked well and is still working, adding that the trainings also organized by organizations contributed to the smooth relationship between the media and the security sector before, during and after the elections.
He concluded by commending the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) and the International Media Support for the National Dialogue Forum held before, during and after the elections.
Other stakeholders present including the Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Manika Kamara, and a representative from the Political Parties Regulations Commission made salient contributions.
Closing the engagement was a facilitation on the evaluation of the forum and its outcome and a panel discussion of the role of the media, media safety and media Police relation during the elections followed by a group discussion by participants flagging the key challenges, lessons learnt and key recommendations for the future.
