Freetown, 5th January, 2026 – The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, has used his New Year’s message to highlight achievements in his first six months of leadership while reaffirming the Association’s uncompromising commitment to press freedom and professional independence.
Kamara, who was elected SLAJ President in mid-2025, said his tenure so far has been marked by “purposeful action, inclusion, and the laying of a solid foundation for a stronger, more professional, and more united media landscape.”
Empowering Women in Media- Among the Association’s early milestones, Kamara pointed to nationwide capacity-building programmes for female journalists, focusing on public financial management and digital media literacy. He pledged that SLAJ will continue to close skills gaps and ensure women in the media are “not only visible but influential in shaping national discourse.”
Expanding Institutional Presence- Kamara announced that SLAJ has secured plots of land for regional secretariats in the Northern and Southern regions, a step he described as vital for decentralising operations and strengthening the Association’s institutional presence.
Government Support and Independence- The SLAJ President expressed appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio for increasing the Association’s annual subvention, calling it recognition of the media’s role in democracy and governance. However, he stressed that SLAJ remains “independent, fearless, and uncompromising in the defence of press freedom, professionalism, and the welfare of journalists.”
Legislative Engagement- Kamara welcomed the signing of the Counterterrorism Act 2025, noting that amendments had addressed most concerns raised by media stakeholders. He commended Attorney General Alpha Sesay and Members of Parliament for their responsiveness but cautioned that advocacy continues, particularly regarding Section 44(2) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act, which he said still poses risks to freedom of expression. SLAJ is also actively engaged in the ongoing constitutional review process, pushing for a standalone chapter to safeguard press freedom and media development.
Strengthening Democratic Culture- Kamara congratulated the Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU) for holding its first-ever Annual General Meeting in Makeni, encouraging all SLAJ sub-bodies to remain disciplined and committed to democratic culture. He also celebrated the appointment of former SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla as Chair of the Federation of African Journalists’ Climate Change Working Group, describing it as an honour for Sierra Leone’s media fraternity.
Partnerships and Appreciation- The SLAJ President extended gratitude to international partners including the European Union, UNDP, and several embassies, as well as organisations such as BBC Media Action, International IDEA, and the Media Reform Coordinating Group. He also acknowledged constructive collaboration with the Independent Media Commission and the Right to Access Information Commission.
Call for Peace and Cohesion- Closing his message, Kamara appealed to Sierra Leoneans to embrace peace, national cohesion, and responsible conduct in 2026. He urged the government to remain responsive to citizens’ needs and praised SLAJ executives and past leaders for their guidance.
“Together, we will continue to build a resilient, credible, and independent media sector that serves Sierra Leone with courage, responsibility, and integrity,” Kamara said. stressing that a resilient and independent media sector is essential for Sierra Leone’s democracy and development.
