By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Outgoing President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, on Friday, June 13, 2025 delivered an emotional and powerful farewell speech at the formal opening ceremony of the Association’s 2025 Triennial Elective Congress, held under the theme: “Electing a New Executive, Moving SLAJ Forward.”
Addressing delegates, stakeholders and guests, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla began by honoring the memory of journalists who passed away over the past year, including Austin Thomas, Samuel Brima Mattia and Dauda Kamara. He called for a moment of silence in their remembrance, noting that their commitment to journalism continues to inspire the Association.
“This is my final address as President,” Ahmed Sahid Nasralla announced. “Six years of collective struggle, learning and triumph deserve a proper goodbye.”
Reflecting on his two-term tenure, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla outlined several landmark achievements that have strengthened SLAJ and elevated Sierra Leone’s media landscape:
- Repeal of Part 5 of the Public Order Act (1965): A major milestone that signaled a new era for press freedom in Sierra Leone, achieved through collective action with media stakeholders, civil society and the Government.
- First Media Viability and Investment Conference: The forum led to the formulation of a National Action Plan (NAP) for media development and the launch of the National Fund for Public Interest Media, which is now ready to provide grants for investigative journalism.
- Development of the SLAJ Media Manifesto: Titled “The Media We Want”, this document and the NAP are now national blueprints for media growth, supported by international partners like the EU and BBC Media Action.
- SLAJ Gender Equality Policy: Introduced to address gender imbalance in journalism, with support from the Embassy of Ireland.
- Establishment of the UNDP-supported ‘iVerify’ Platform: A significant tool to combat disinformation and provide credible content, especially during national elections.
- Creation of National Media and Information Policy: Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) and approved by Cabinet.
- Internal Governance Reforms: A revised SLAJ Constitution (2024) has introduced transparency and accountability mechanisms, including electoral courts and integrity management structures.
He also highlighted support given to affiliate organizations such as the Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU), Sierra Leone Court Reporters Association (SLCRA) and Guild of Newspaper Editors (GoNE), enabling them to hold democratic elections after years of inactivity.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla emphasized that SLAJ has maintained unity and political neutrality under his leadership, prioritizing the welfare and protection of journalists across the country. A key infrastructural milestone was also mentioned; the upcoming commissioning of the SLAJ Eastern Region Office Building, with other regions beginning similar projects.
“I am proud of the selfless, honest, transparent leadership we have offered over the past six years,” Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said. “This Association is stronger today because of all of us.”
He encouraged the incoming leadership to lead with empathy, humility and integrity, urging them to be proactive rather than reactive. “Leadership is not about knowing it all or doing it all. It is about building trust, working together, listening deeply and showing up, especially in difficult times.”
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla Nasralla also called for continued advocacy on critical issues including:
- Review of the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act to safeguard press freedom.
- Re-engagement on the Counter-Terrorism Act for inclusive consultations.
- Securing a permanent national SLAJ headquarters to bolster institutional presence.
- Strengthening journalist welfare, particularly in rural areas.
- Building partnerships with bloggers and social media influencers to foster digital media ethics.
Expressing deep gratitude, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla thanked all SLAJ members, affiliate leaders, international partners, civil society and Government institutions for their support throughout his tenure. He reserved special thanks for His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for consistently increasing SLAJ’s annual subvention, which he noted had significantly aided the Association’s operations.
“I never had a private meeting with the President,” Ahmed Sahid Nasralla disclosed, “but he seems to believe in my leadership and respects what we have been doing.”
Calling his time at SLAJ a “PhD in Resilience and Hope,” Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said his leadership journey, three years as Secretary General and six as President, taught him that progress in journalism requires unity, advocacy and humility.
As the Congress moved into closed sessions and prepared for the election of a new Executive, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla left delegates with a charge:
“Let us not treat these achievements as the end, but the beginning of a stronger future. SLAJ is bigger than any one of us, it is a vital institution for democracy and peace. Let us protect what we’ve built, complete what we’ve started and rise together again.”
Long live SLAJ. Long live Sierra Leone. Long live press freedom.
