By: Mohamed J. Bangura
Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) has strongly condemned online attacks, harassment and smear campaigns targeting female journalists Mabel Kabba and Kadija Bangura, co-owners of Liberty Online TV.
In a press release dated 8 November 2026, the organization expressed concern over what it described as increasing online hostility against the two journalists, warning that such actions threaten their personal safety, professional dignity and the broader principles of press freedom.
WIMSAL noted that the attacks appeared aimed at undermining the professional credibility of the two media practitioners and discouraging them from contributing freely to public discourse. It particularly condemned individuals, bloggers and online platforms allegedly involved in personal attacks, harassment and attempts to damage their reputations.
The organization acknowledged that journalists and media institutions are subject to public scrutiny and criticism. However, it stressed that disagreements over media reports, editorial decisions or journalistic opinions should never be used to justify personal attacks, intimidation or coordinated campaigns to silence media practitioners.
WIMSAL further recognized the contributions of Mabel Kabba and Kadija Bangura to journalism, emphasizing that they should be able to carry out their professional responsibilities without fear of threats, intimidation or online abuse.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting and advancing the interests of women in the media, the organization stated that attacks against female journalists represent a wider threat to press freedom, media independence and women’s participation in public discourse.
The organization has therefore called on relevant authorities, law enforcement agencies and media regulatory bodies to take appropriate measures to safeguard the two journalists and ensure the protection of other media practitioners across the country.
It also urged social media users, bloggers and members of the public to exercise responsibility in their online engagements and refrain from using digital platforms to harass, threaten or intimidate journalists.
WIMSAL reaffirmed its solidarity with Kabba and Bangura, insisting that women journalists must not be silenced, intimidated or forced out of the media space because of their professional work.
The statement comes amid wider public discussions about press freedom, political criticism and the treatment of journalists in Sierra Leone, particularly against the backdrop of disagreements involving media practitioners and political actors.
WIMSAL’s intervention adds to growing calls for a media environment in which journalists, particularly women, can independently and professionally hold public institutions accountable without fear of harassment, intimidation or personal attacks.