In a recent courtesy call at State House on August 31st, 2023, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) led by President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, discussed vital issues with President Bio. This gathering, attended by SLAJ’s National Executive, Regional Heads, and Executive Secretary of the Independent Media Commission, addressed several pressing matters.
Firstly, President Nasralla congratulated President Bio on his re-election as the head of the Republic of Sierra Leone. The meeting occurred shortly after the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) presented its post-election report. SLAJ commended the commitment shown by President Bio to work alongside the Commission and other stakeholders to implement the report’s recommendations.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of fostering sincere political dialogue, collaboration, national cohesion, and unity in Sierra Leone’s post-election period.
The recent elections revealed critical challenges that demand collective attention, including deepening political divisions in the nation. Online and offline conversations have been dominated by unhealthy and negative political discourse.
Additionally, the elections emphasized the urgency of strengthening public institutions to enhance their independence and trustworthiness.
The elections have prompted a call for an honest and sustained national conversation on the adoption of a political system that suits Sierra Leone’s unique context.
President Nasralla acknowledged the media’s role in both reflecting and perpetuating these challenges. He emphasized that the media, as a catalyst for positive change, can be part of the solution. SLAJ’s upcoming Annual General Meeting in Kenema, with the theme “Journalists Promoting Sustainable Dialogue, Reconciliation, Peace, and National Cohesion,” reflects their commitment to contributing to the country’s progress.
The media played a commendable role in the recent elections, with support from international partners like the European Union, Irish Aid, UKAid, US Embassy, UNDP, NDI, and NED. Initiatives such as the I-Verify platform and the Super News Room countered misinformation and provided credible information to the public.
SLAJ also presented its media manifesto, “The Media We Want,” outlining the framework for future media interventions. They are set to launch a gender equality policy for the media, a first in West Africa and Africa as a whole.
In response to questions about their internal systems and procedures, SLAJ invited the Anti-Corruption Commission to review and make recommendations. The Commission will present its report at the upcoming AGM.
Acknowledging the government’s reforms in the media sector, President Nasralla emphasized the need for continued improvement in press freedom and freedom of expression.
President Bio’s appointment of young ministers to the Ministry of Information combined with Civic Education was welcomed, highlighting the importance of civic education in promoting law-abiding citizens and responsible social media usage.
The need for strengthened Internet bandwidth, which would enhance access to information and create job opportunities, was also discussed.
SLAJ expressed gratitude for the government’s professional and respectful relationship over the past five years and emphasized their commitment to serving the media’s interests.
The President was thanked for approving SLAJ’s nominations for the Independent Media Commission (IMC) and urged to provide more support to IMC to fulfill its mandate effectively.
Finally, SLAJ informed President Bio about ongoing fact-checking efforts related to his campaign statements, which will be shared at a later date. The President was thanked for his time and attention to these critical matters.