By: Mamajah Jalloh
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has on Monday, 12th October 2026, condemned the alleged physical assault of a journalist and the seizure of professional equipment in Makeni City, Northern Sierra Leone.
According to a complaint received by SLAJ, Ishmail Stanley Bangura, Production Manager of Hope FM 93.3, was attacked on Friday, 2nd October 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m. at the All Peoples Congress (APC) District Office on Field Road, Makeni City.
The alleged assailants are men perceived to be party marshals associated with Mr. Emmanuel Alie Kamara, alias Alie General, APC Chairman, Bombali District.
Bangura had gone to the office after receiving information about a fracas between rival factions within the party. On arrival, he observed what appeared to be vandalism of the party premises and, in line with his professional duties, proceeded to document the scene using a phone belonging to Hope FM 93.3.
He was allegedly confronted by a group of men who subjected him to physical assault with punches, despite clearly identifying himself as a journalist on duty.
During the attack, two phones an iPhone 12 Pro Max and an iPhone XR were forcefully taken from him. One is the property of Hope FM 93.3, used for legitimate news-gathering, while the second is his personal phone. As of the time of this release, both phones remain in the custody of the alleged perpetrators.
Following the incident, Bangura was rescued and taken to the Rogbanch Police Division, where a formal complaint was lodged, a medical form was issued, and his statement was recorded by the Investigating Officer.
SLAJ noted and appreciated the initial steps taken by the police, but expressed deep concern that a journalist was physically assaulted while performing his legitimate duties and that professional equipment belonging to a licensed radio station was seized and continues to be withheld.
“This attack sends a chilling signal to journalists in the North and across the country, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of 2028,” SLAJ stated.
The association urged the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) to thoroughly, impartially, and expeditiously investigate the matter, ensure the immediate recovery and return of the two phones to Mr. Bangura and Hope FM 93.3, and bring the perpetrators to justice. It also called on the Police to guarantee Bangura’s safety against any further intimidation, threats, or harassment arising from his complaint.
SLAJ called on the leadership of the APC to publicly dissociate itself from the act of lawlessness, guarantee the safety of Mr. Bangura and all journalists across the country, and call on its supporters and marshals to respect the work of journalists.
“Political parties must understand that journalists are not enemies; they are partners in democracy,” SLAJ stated.
In an interview with SLAJ Secretary General Edward Farah Marah, Mr. Emmanuel Alie Kamara, alias Alie General, denied knowing the attackers to be his supporters but stated that he could not rule out that they were APC supporters.
SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara maintained that political parties and actors should be aware that press freedom and journalist safety are non-negotiable.
“No journalist should be assaulted, threatened, or obstructed for covering political events, regardless of faction or party,” he stated
“An attack on one journalist is an attack on all journalists. The seizure of a media house’s equipment is an attack on press freedom,” he added.
SLAJ echoed that it is closely monitoring the case and will not relent until the phones are returned, the perpetrators are held accountable, and a clear message is sent that Sierra Leone is not a place where journalists can be beaten for doing their jobs.
“The safety of journalists in Makeni and across Sierra Leone must be guaranteed,” SLAJ concluded