By: Mamajah Jalloh
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has condemned an alleged death threat against Thomas Josephus Dixon, Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors and Managing Editor of the New Age Newspaper, reportedly made by Moses Sellu Mambu, National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
The alleged incident occurred after a television programme at Africa Young Voices (AYV) in Freetown on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
According to a formal complaint received by SLAJ, Dixon alleged that after the programme, Mambu approached him in the presence of programme presenter Victor Jones and videographer Abu Bakarr Kamara and said: “We will hit you hard! This is the same reason for which your friend Samura was killed the last time.”
Jones has reportedly provided SLAJ with a formal eyewitness account supporting Dixon’s allegation.
SLAJ described the reported statement as serious and disturbing, particularly because it allegedly referred to the death of journalist Ibrahim Samura, who died after sustaining injuries during a physical assault while covering the 2018 elections. Criminal proceedings arising from that case subsequently ended in acquittals.
The Association said the allegation is serious enough to warrant an immediate, impartial and credible investigation by the appropriate authorities.
SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara said threats against journalists should not be treated as personal matters because they can undermine press freedom and the public’s right to information.
“A threat against a journalist should not be seen as a personal matter only; it is a direct threat to the free press and, by extension, the public’s right to know. Journalists must never be forced to choose between carrying out their professional duty and protecting their lives,” he said.
Kamara added that the reported reference to the death of another journalist made the allegation particularly alarming.
“Whether such words were intended as a threat or otherwise must be established through a proper investigation. What cannot be acceptable is for any journalist to be left living in fear because of his or her professional work,” he said.
However, when contacted by SLAJ Secretary General Edward Fara Marrah, Mambu denied making the alleged threat. He said that after the live programme, he had only cautioned Dixon to be careful.
SLAJ is calling on the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant authorities to urgently investigate the complaint, establish the facts surrounding the incident and take appropriate action.
The Association also called on the leadership of the SLPP to publicly reaffirm its commitment to the safety of journalists and make clear that threats or intimidation against journalists are unacceptable, regardless of political affiliation or circumstance.
SLAJ further urged the authorities to assess the security concerns raised by Dixon and, where necessary, take appropriate measures to ensure his safety and that of his family while the matter is being investigated.
The Association said freedom of expression and freedom of the press cannot be fully enjoyed when journalists operate under threats of violence or fear for their safety.
SLAJ said it would continue to monitor the matter closely and provide appropriate support to Dixon within its mandate.
The Association also urged journalists to continue carrying out their professional responsibilities with courage, accuracy, fairness and adherence to professional ethics. It encouraged political actors and public officials to resolve disagreements with the media through lawful and democratic means.
“SLAJ remains unequivocal: criticism of journalism may be legitimate; intimidation and threats against journalists are not,” the Association stated.