By Ishmail Saidu Kanu
President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, has called for unity, professionalism and the protection of press freedom as Sierra Leone enters the New Year 2026.
In his New Year message, the SLAJ President extended season’s greetings to journalists across the country, media partners and the public, describing the New Year as a period of renewed hope and determination
Reflecting on his first six months in office, Alhaji Manika Kamara said his leadership had focused on inclusion, capacity building and laying a strong foundation for a more united and professional media landscape.
He mentioned capacity-building programmes rolled out for female journalists nationwide, particularly in Public Financial Management and Digital Media Literacy, noting that empowering women in the media remains a key priority for SLAJ.
He also announced that the Association had secured plots of land for the construction of SLAJ Regional Secretariats in the Southern and Northern Regions, describing the move as a major step toward strengthening SLAJ’s institutional presence and decentralised operations.
The SLAJ President expressed appreciation to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for the increase in the annual subvention to the Association, saying the gesture demonstrated government’s recognition of the role of a professional and responsible journalists’ association. He stressed, however, that SLAJ remains independent and uncompromising in its defence of press freedom and journalists’ welfare.
On legislative matters, Alhaji Manika Kamara welcomed the signing into law of the Counterterrorism Act 2025, particularly amendments that addressed concerns raised by media stakeholders. He commended the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., and Members of Parliament for engaging with the media.
He noted that SLAJ would continue to advocate against provisions of the Cyber Security and Crime Act, especially Section 44(2), which he said still poses concerns for press freedom. He also said SLAJ remains actively engaged in the ongoing constitutional review process, pushing for stronger constitutional safeguards for freedom of expression and media development.
The SLAJ President further disclosed that the SLAJ Revised Constitution 2024 is now being implemented through the activation of its strategic committees to strengthen transparency and accountability within the Association and its sub-bodies.
He congratulated the Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU) for holding its Annual General Meeting in Makeni, the first in its history, and encouraged all SLAJ sub-bodies to uphold democratic culture and discipline.
The SLAJ President also congratulated journalist Ahmed Sahid Nasralla on his appointment as Chairman of the Federation of African Journalists Working Group on Climate Change.
He expressed appreciation to development partners, diplomatic missions, media development organisations and statutory bodies, including the Independent Media Commission and the Right to Access Information Commission, for their continued support to media development in Sierra Leone.
He commended journalists and media houses for upholding ethical standards under challenging conditions and called for continued collaboration with civil society organisations.
As the country enters 2026, Alhaji Manika Kamara appealed for peace, national cohesion and responsible conduct among citizens and politicians, while urging government to remain responsive to the needs of the people.
He concluded by wishing journalists and Sierra Leoneans a peaceful, productive and successful New Year.
