By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
During a series of media familiarization visits, the newly-elected National Executive of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), including the Association’s immediate past president, called on the Government of Sierra Leone specifically the Minister of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) to include a “Standalone Chapter 12” in the ongoing 1991 Constitutional Review Process. This chapter would focus on safeguarding press freedoms and the rights of journalists across the country.
President Alhaji Manika Kamara, in his appeal to Minister Chernor Bah, explained that the proposed standalone chapter would be dedicated to defending “Press Freedoms and the Media Ecosystem,” ensuring that the rights of media organizations and practitioners are protected under national law.
While commending the ongoing constitutional review led by the ruling SLPP government of President Julius Maada Bio, President Kamara affirmed SLAJ’s commitment to contributing to the success of the review process. He stressed that the inclusion of a standalone Chapter 12 would be essential in enshrining the protection of journalists’ rights and the media as a whole within Sierra Leone’s national constitution.
“The primary goal is to secure the absolute protection of journalists’ rights, particularly their right to freedom of expression, association, and protection from harassment or intimidation,” Kamara stated. “Such a chapter would ensure that journalists can perform their watchdog role without fear of reprisal or undue interference.”
He further explained that this standalone chapter would provide a clear and specific legal framework for the protection of journalists’ rights, ensuring constitutional guarantees for media independence in Sierra Leone. This, in turn, would contribute to a stronger, more free, and independent media environment in the country.
President Kamara emphasized that the proposal for Chapter 12 would also be part of a broader strategy to strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks supporting journalists, promoting a free press, and ensuring accountability in media practices.
However, SLAJ anticipates potential challenges from other interest groups, who may also seek similar constitutional provisions for different sectors. Nonetheless, Kamara and the SLAJ leadership remain firm in their belief that this advocacy for journalists’ rights is crucial to achieving a newer, more transparent constitution that caters to the rights and interests of all Sierra Leoneans.