Freetown, 3rd May, 2026 — The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) has joined press freedom advocates worldwide in commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2026, under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.”
The day, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 to mark the Declaration of Windhoek, comes at a sobering moment for Sierra Leone. The country has slipped 23 places to 79th out of 180 nations in the latest Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Index, with its score falling from 66.36 in 2025 to 57.06 in 2026.
MRCG expressed concern that Sierra Leone’s press freedom environment is now “precarious and deteriorating,” undoing gains made in recent years. While the media landscape remains pluralistic and free of widespread journalist detentions or killings, deeper structural challenges persist. These include the economic fragility of media institutions, poor working conditions for journalists, and vulnerability to political influence all undermining editorial independence.
The organization urged government, media institutions, and stakeholders to reflect on this year’s theme, emphasizing that press freedom is essential for protecting human rights, driving development, and ensuring national security. It reminded the government of its commitment to uphold freedom of expression and called for sustainable support for independent media, including resources for the National Fund for Public Interest Media.
MRCG stressed that delivering on promised support to the Fund would be a critical step toward safeguarding Sierra Leone’s fragile media environment and ensuring that press freedom remains a cornerstone of democracy.
