By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) ushered in a new chapter of leadership on Friday, July 11, 2025, with the official swearing-in of its newly elected president, Alhaji Manika Kamara, along with his executive team. The ceremony, held at the Bintumani Conference Hall in Aberdeen, Freetown, was attended by government officials, civil society leaders, media professionals, international partners, and past SLAJ presidents.
In his inaugural address, President Kamara expressed profound gratitude to the journalists who entrusted him with the leadership of West Africa’s oldest journalism association. He pledged to prioritize journalists’ welfare, safety, and professional development, especially those working in underserved and rural areas.
“Journalists are the conscience of society, and their protection is non-negotiable,” Kamara stated.
“My leadership will focus on safeguarding press freedom and ensuring that no journalist is left behind, regardless of location or platform.”
Kamara vowed to build on the legacy of his predecessor, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, whose tenure was marked by historic reforms, including the repeal of Sierra Leone’s criminal libel laws under Part 5 of the Public Order Act of 1965. Nasralla also spearheaded the launch of the National Fund for Public Interest Media and the development of SLAJ’s Gender Equality Policy and Code of Ethics.
In his farewell remarks, Nasralla urged the new executive to address critical emerging challenges, such as: The rapid digital transformation of the media landscape, combating misinformation and disinformation and advocating for sustainable reforms and stronger regulatory frameworks
“The road ahead demands resilience, unity, and vision. Let’s protect the progress we’ve made and strive for greater impact,” Nasralla advised.
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, congratulated SLAJ on a peaceful election and smooth transition of leadership. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the media and the state, while urging SLAJ to maintain its independence and watchdog role.
“We expect the new leadership to engage constructively with government while holding power to account. The media must remain a pillar of our growing democracy,” Minister Bah remarked.
President Kamara ended his inaugural speech with a rallying call for unity and collaboration across SLAJ’s membership, including his former opponent in the presidential race.
“Our strength lies in our solidarity. Let us move forward as one voice, one purpose, one SLAJ in action!”
Before the official swearing-in, Kamara and his executive team participated in a strategic orientation session held in Kenema, in Sierra Leone’s Eastern Province. The orientation allowed the new officers to understand the responsibilities ahead and to prepare for the task of steering the Association forward.
As the new SLAJ executive begins its tenure, expectations are high from journalists, citizens, civil society groups, and international media partners. The hope is for continued reforms, stronger advocacy, and a more vibrant and independent media ecosystem in Sierra Leone.
