SLAJ Condemns SLPP Publicity Secretary’s Allegations Against Journalist Victor Jones

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has condemned allegations made by the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) National Publicity Secretary, Moses Sellu Mambu, against AYV Media Empire journalist Victor Jones.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, SLAJ said it had received a formal complaint from Jones on October 21 regarding remarks allegedly made by Mambu during the Liberty TV Online Breakfast Show on October 19.

According to SLAJ, Mambu reportedly accused Jones of pursuing an agenda against the SLPP and conspiring with fellow journalist Thomas Dixon to submit a false report against him to the Association.

SLAJ said that, although Mambu clarified that his remarks about an anti-SLPP agenda referred to media houses rather than Jones personally, he maintained the allegation that Jones and Dixon had conspired to submit a false report.

After reviewing the available evidence, including a video recording of the broadcast, SLAJ said its records contained no evidence of a false report submitted by the two journalists against Mambu.

The Association warned that such allegations could damage journalists’ professional reputations and expose them to intimidation, harassment and threats, particularly in a politically polarised environment.

SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara stressed that journalists have a constitutional responsibility to inform the public, scrutinise those in authority and hold power to account. He urged political actors to raise concerns about journalists through appropriate channels and on the basis of evidence.

The Association called on Mambu to exercise greater responsibility in his public statements and urged political leaders to respect media independence and professional journalism.

SLAJ reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and protecting the rights, safety and professional dignity of journalists across Sierra Leone.