Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, has reaffirmed the Association’s continued engagement with the country’s security sector to ensure that no journalist is taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for matters arising purely from their journalistic work.
He made the assurance on Friday, 21st November 2025, while addressing the Annual General Meeting of the Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU) in Makeni. The event marked the Union’s first AGM in more than two decades, a milestone Kamara described as “a history-making moment” for media practitioners nationwide.
Speaking on the theme, “The New Constitution: A Blueprint for the Welfare of Reporters,” the SLAJ President said the renewed focus on welfare, professionalism, safety, accountability, and institutional clarity was timely and necessary given the increasingly complex and demanding work of reporters.
Kamara noted that SLAJ has been engaging the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, as well as the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police, to ensure reporters are protected while performing their duties. He emphasized that the Attorney General has given assurance – an assurance SLAJ intends to hold the authorities to – that no journalist should be taken to the CID for issues arising solely from their professional work.
The SLAJ President further highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen media sub-bodies, stating that the revival of SLRU reflects progress under the “ACTION Manifesto” commitment to build a structured and united media ecosystem.
He further praised the Union for successfully organizing its AGM and credited former SLRU Secretary General Mohamed Jaward Nyallay for supporting efforts in 2024 to rebuild the organization.
Kamara also asserted the long-standing challenges surrounding reporters’ welfare, stressing that safety and security remain central to any meaningful welfare reform. He said SLAJ is maintaining a constructive relationship with the Sierra Leone Police, including the CID, to ensure that security agencies uphold their commitments to protect the media.
Beyond safety, Kamara disclosed that SLAJ is engaging the Ministry of Labour, as well as the Guild of Newspaper Editors and station owners, to develop sustainable solutions for fair remuneration and NASSIT contributions for reporters and other media workers.
He urged SLRU members to use their AGM deliberations to shape a future in which reporters are respected, protected, and empowered to deliver quality journalism without fear.
“SLAJ remains your steadfast partner on this journey,” he concluded, wishing the Union a productive and successful meeting.
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