BY: MOHAMED SAHR
In the realm of media reform and press freedom, the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) in Sierra Leone has made significant strides over the past decade. On May 15th, 2024, they advocated for a stand-alone chapter in the country’s 1991 Constitution as part of their ongoing efforts to reform the media landscape. In an exclusive interview, Augustine James, the Head of Program at MRCG, reflected on the organization’s accomplishments, particularly in monitoring attacks and violations against media professionals, especially during recent presidential elections.
MRCG has diligently documented various assaults against journalists, aiming to address issues such as the outdated “Part Five of the Public Order Act of 1965” and other laws impacting media operations. James highlighted Ghana’s constitutional provision safeguarding media freedom as a model worth emulating, emphasizing the need for similar legislation in Sierra Leone.
The ten-year anniversary of MRCG signifies a significant milestone for media workers and stakeholders globally. James reaffirmed MRCG’s commitment to capacity building for journalists and fostering developmental initiatives not only in Sierra Leone but also in other regions.
Despite facing challenges, MRCG has received continued support from major funders like the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and UNDP. Notable successes include facilitating dialogue between the media and security sectors, contributing to a peaceful 2023 election.
Looking ahead, James outlined MRCG’s future focus on advocating for media plurality, including a campaign to address media poverty. This effort will involve opening funding opportunities for media institutions, particularly for public interest content, through initiatives like the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM) in collaboration with the National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFIM).