By Ibrahim Sesay
The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, has hailed the revival of the Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU) as a “history-making moment” while addressing its Annual General Meeting held on Friday, 21st November 2025, in Makeni, Northern Region. The meeting, themed: “The New Constitution: A Blueprint for the Welfare of Reporters,” brought together reporters from across the country in what was widely described as one of the most significant gatherings of the Union in more than two decades.
In his opening remarks, Alhaji Manika Kamara expressed deep honour in joining the SLRU at a time when the Union is regaining its footing and reclaiming its role within the national media architecture. He congratulated the Executive and membership for successfully convening an AGM after such a long hiatus, calling it “a remarkable milestone that sets the stage for a stronger, more structured reporting body.”
He commended the Union’s choice of theme, stating that it reflects the growing need to protect and empower reporters operating in an increasingly complex and dangerous environment. He stressed that the new constitution must address key concerns such as welfare, professionalism, safety, accountability and institutional clarity; elements he described as “critical to the health of Sierra Leone’s democracy.”
Looking back at efforts to rebuild the Union, the SLAJ President noted the significant progress made since 2024 when the commitment to strengthen SLRU was first announced. He extended special acknowledgement to Mohamed Jaward Nyallay, then Secretary General of SLRU, for supporting the joint press release that mobilized reporters nationwide to participate in leadership renewal.
Under his ACTION Manifesto, Alhaji Manika Kamara stated that strengthening affiliate bodies remains a priority. He expressed optimism that the Sierra Leone Women in Journalism Association (SWASAL), the Court Reporters Union and the Parliamentary Press Gallery (PPG-SL) will follow SLRU’s example as they review their own constitutions and governance structures. He emphasized that SLAJ’s vision is to foster a “structured, united and forward-looking” media ecosystem.
Speaking on long-standing welfare issues, the SLAJ President emphasized that no meaningful conversation on media welfare can exclude issues of safety and security. He revealed that SLAJ has been in continuous engagement with the security sector, including the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, who have assured the Association that no journalist will be taken to the CID for matters arising strictly from their journalistic duties. He noted that SLAJ has also maintained close collaboration with the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police to reinforce that commitment.
Alhaji Manika Kamara underscored the importance of improving working conditions for reporters, whom he described as frontline practitioners carrying the heavy burden of informing the public, exposing wrongdoing, amplifying community voices and defending democratic values. “The conditions under which reporters operate do not always reflect their societal value,” he lamented, noting that a constitution that places their welfare at the centre is “a significant step toward ensuring dignity, safety, fair remuneration and professional development.”
He reaffirmed SLAJ’s support for SLRU in pursuing a modern and inclusive constitution that strengthens the Union and enhances the broader media environment. He also disclosed ongoing engagements with the Ministry of Labour, as well as plans to meet with the Guild of Newspaper Editors and Station Managers, to work on sustainable frameworks for improved salaries and regular NASSIT contributions for reporters and media workers.
As the AGM continued with deliberations, the SLAJ President encouraged members to envision a media future in which every reporter is respected, empowered and protected, and able to perform their duties without fear or intimidation.
“SLAJ remains your steadfast partner on this journey,” he assured, wishing the gathering a productive and forward-looking session.
