Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, has called for the establishment of a robust regulatory framework to strengthen oversight of the country’s expanding online media landscape.
Speaking during a two-day national retreat in Bo, organized to review and propose amendments to the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Act 2020, Kamara emphasized the urgent need to address the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation in digital spaces.
The event was supported by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) as part of its efforts to promote democratic governance in Sierra Leone.
Kamara noted that the absence of clear oversight mechanisms in the current IMC Act has contributed to “serious problems,” including the proliferation of unregulated online platforms spreading false information.
“The digital space is increasingly being exploited by vested interests, particularly political actors and their agents, to disseminate inaccurate information and incite public tension,” he stated. “This undermines our democracy, peace, and social cohesion.”
The SLAJ President urged all stakeholders, including government officials, media regulators, and practitioners, to collaborate in designing a targeted yet balanced framework that curbs online abuse without infringing on press freedom.
He also commended International IDEA for its continuous support in building the capacity of SLAJ and the IMC, describing the collaboration as key to promoting professionalism and accountability in the media sector.
Kamara encouraged participants to engage meaningfully in the discussions to produce an effective and forward-looking media regulation framework that reflects both technological realities and democratic values.
The retreat brought together stakeholders from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, SLAJ, IMC, MRCG, and the Association of Station Managers, among others.
In a separate engagement, the SLAJ President and National Vice President paid a condolence visit to the family of the late father of Evelyn Turay in Bo.
For More News And Analysis About Sierra-Leone Follow Africa-Press
