By Lemuella Tarawallie
After 21 years of dormancy, the Sierra Leone Reporters’ Union (SLRU) has risen from the shadows, sparking a historic revival in the country’s media landscape. Under the theme “The New Constitution: A Blueprint for Reporters’ Welfare,” the union convened its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) in over two decades, bringing together reporters, editors, senior media practitioners, and leaders from across Sierra Leone.
The long-awaited gathering, held at Garden State Enterprise along the Magburaka Highway, marked a new chapter for SLRU, which has faced years of outdated structures and neglected welfare systems.
“This is a defining moment,” said Dr. Francis Sowa, National Coordinator of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG). “As a nation reviews rights, governance, and institutional reforms, the welfare of those who tell the nation’s story must be front and center.”
Dr. Sowa highlighted the harsh realities for many journalists in Sierra Leone: lack of contracts, inadequate pay, absence of social protection, and insufficient NASSIT contributions. “Freedom alone is not enough. The journalist must not only be free; they must be protected, respected, and supported,” he said.
SLRU President Yeanor Kabia, the first woman to lead the union, delivered a powerful address, emphasizing commitment to journalists’ welfare and professional growth. “I am standing as a leader committed to serve… as a journalist determined to uplift this union… and as a sister ready to protect, support, and elevate every reporter in Sierra Leone,” she declared.
Under her leadership, the union aims to rebuild membership databases, strengthen partnerships, secure legal documentation, and revive nationwide activities.
The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, expressed pride in SLRU’s revival and reaffirmed SLAJ’s commitment to protecting journalists from harassment or intimidation. “You are frontline patriots. Your welfare must reflect your value,” he said.
Women in Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), represented by President Eastina Taylor-Tucker, highlighted the importance of gender equity, safety, and opportunity for female reporters, earning enthusiastic applause from attendees.
SLAJ’s Electoral Chief Commissioner, Zainab Iyamide Joaque, described the new constitution as a “blueprint for dignity, professionalism, and protection,” aimed at strengthening the rights and welfare of reporters.
Keynote speaker and former SLAJ President, Kelvin Lewis, urged journalists to remember the essence of storytelling. “Write in a way that transports me from my chair to the scene you covered. Leave politics to politicians. Be adventurous. Be good journalists,” he encouraged.
The AGM also honored past contributors to Sierra Leonean journalism, presenting awards to veteran journalists including Prezo Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, Kelvin Lewis, Edward Marrah, Ishmail Saidu Kanu, and senior media figures such as Saptieu Kallon, Tanu Jalloh, and Dr. Isaac Massaquoi.
With the new constitution and revitalized leadership, SLRU is poised to safeguard the welfare, dignity, and professional growth of journalists, marking the beginning of a renewed era for Sierra Leone’s media community.
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