MAKENI, 12th October 2026 – The Bombali District Secretariat of the All People’s Congress (APC) has condemned the reported assault on a Hope FM journalist and pledged support for press freedom, journalist safety and party unity.
In a press release, the APC District Secretariat described the reported attack on Ishmail Stanley Bangura, Head of Production at Hope Radio 93.3 FM, as unacceptable and contrary to the party’s democratic values.
According to the statement, Bangura was reportedly assaulted on October 2 while carrying out his professional duties at the APC district office on Field Road in Makeni. The party said it strongly condemns all forms of violence, intimidation, assault and lawlessness within its ranks.
The Bombali District Secretariat stressed that journalists should be allowed to perform their duties freely, safely and professionally without threats, harassment or intimidation.
The statement also noted that APC Chairman-elect, Emmanuel Alie Kargbo, popularly known as “Alie General,” has condemned the reported violence and distanced himself from any actions carried out in his name or on his behalf. He further pledged to take reasonable steps to address the incident and support press freedom while engaging party stakeholders in resolving internal disagreements.
The district leadership said it welcomed those assurances and called on APC members, supporters and stakeholders in Bombali to remain calm, exercise restraint and pursue reconciliation through dialogue and established party structures.
The Secretariat also disclosed plans to encourage constructive engagement between the affected journalist and the management of Hope FM Radio in a bid to secure what it described as a responsible and amicable resolution to the matter.
The development comes days after the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) condemned the alleged assault on Bangura and called for the return of two mobile phones reportedly seized during the incident.
