A high-level delegation from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on June 17, 2026, for a three-day mission. The delegation comprises three members: IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger, Projects Manager Nisrine Salameh, and Expert Advisor Jeremy Dear. This prominent team from the world's largest organization of journalists and media professionals embarked on the mission with a clear objective: to champion press freedom within the country and reinforce the importance of a vibrant, independent media sector. The visit shows the IFJ's global commitment to supporting journalists and advocating for their rights and safety in various regions.
Government Engagements and Commitments
The mission's core objectives are centered on supporting press freedom, freedom of expression, and ensuring the welfare and protection of journalists across the country. As part of their full itinerary, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) delegation held a significant meeting with the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, during their visit. This engagement provided a key platform for direct dialogue between the international body and key government officials. During the discussions, Attorney General Sesay unequivocally reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone’s steadfast commitment to upholding press freedom, safeguarding freedom of expression, and ensuring the safety and security of journalists operating within its borders. He further elaborated on legislative initiatives, stating, "The government is proposing a full Bill of Rights in the new Constitution to strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights and liberties." This proposed Bill of Rights is anticipated to provide a strong legal framework for fundamental freedoms, including those pertaining to the media.
However, the meeting also served as an opportunity to address specific challenges. Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the implementation and impact of certain provisions within the Cyber Security and Crime Act. Attorney General Sesay candidly acknowledged that some provisions of the Cyber Security and Crime Act have indeed affected journalists, leading to discussions about potential amendments or clarifications to mitigate any unintended consequences on media practitioners. The Chief Director of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Alimamy Lahai Kamara, also participated in these critical discussions, offering further insights into the government's perspective. Kamara described the repeal of the criminal and seditious libel law as one of the government’s landmark reforms, a move widely lauded by media organizations both domestically and internationally. He emphasized that this significant legislative change has profoundly expanded media space, fostering an environment where journalists and digital media platforms are better equipped to hold public institutions accountable, thereby strengthening democratic governance and transparency.
Broader Consultations and Support
Beyond their engagements with government officials, the IFJ delegation engaged with various other critical stakeholders in Sierra Leone's media landscape. These consultations included productive discussions with representatives from the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), which is led by its President, Alhaji Manika Kamara. SLAJ, as the primary professional body for journalists in the country, plays a vital role in advocating for its members' interests and promoting ethical journalism. The delegation also held important discussions with officials from the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC), recognizing the broader implications of labour rights and working conditions for journalists. These meetings aimed to gather a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing media workers in Sierra Leone. The delegation met specifically with the Chief Director of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Alimamy Lahai Kamara, who noted the government's reforms and reiterated the positive impact of the repeal of the criminal and seditious libel law. Kamara described it as "one of the government’s landmark reforms, emphasizing that it has significantly expanded media space and enabled journalists and digital media platforms to hold public institutions accountable."
In parallel with these consultations and high-level meetings, the IFJ delegation is actively facilitating a specialized training programme for journalists. This key initiative focuses on equipping media professionals with enhanced skills and knowledge in key areas such as safety, security, welfare, labour rights, and risk management. The training is designed to empower journalists to operate more safely and effectively in their demanding profession. This valuable training forms a key component of the European Union-funded MEDIA Project, which is being implemented through the expertise and resources of BBC Media Action.
Advocacy and Future Outlook
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) is proudly hosting the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) delegation during its visit, showing the strong collaborative relationship between the two organizations. SLAJ has been a vocal and persistent advocate for the inclusion of a standalone chapter dedicated to freedom of expression, media freedom, access to information, and communication rights within the proposed constitutional framework. This proposal reflects a desire to enshrine media freedoms as fundamental constitutional principles. Attorney General Alpha Sesay confirmed that SLAJ’s proposal for a standalone media chapter in the Constitution remains under active consideration, indicating that the government is open to further dialogue on this significant matter. Efforts are currently underway to review the Cyber Security and Crime Act, alongside the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Act and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) Act. These concurrent reviews signal a broader governmental commitment to refining the legal and regulatory environment for media in Sierra Leone. The IFJ delegation is scheduled to conclude its engagements and depart Sierra Leone on June 21, 2026, leaving behind a reinforced commitment to press freedom and a framework for continued collaboration.