This report is the fourteenth in a series produced by the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) as part of the project “Enhancing Press Freedom and Media Reforms in Sierra Leone,” supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in the United States of America.
The report covers the period from December 2024 to May 2025, focusing on monitoring the exercise and legal guarantees of freedom of expression, press freedom, internet freedom, and digital rights in Sierra Leone.
The report addresses the following core areas: Freedom of Expression and Press Freedom with emphasis on incidents involving the assault, arrest, and detention of journalists and other citizens, Right to Access Information, Internet Freedom and Digital Rights, Media, Good Governance, Performance of Media Institutions and Positions of Key Stakeholders including the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the Government of Sierra Leone, Status of Media and Communication Laws in Sierra Leone, Conclusion and Recommendations and References and Appendices.
Information presented in this report was gathered by monitoring: Broadcasts on radio and television stations, publications in newspapers and posts on social media platforms.
Victims of reported incidents (such as arrests or attacks) were interviewed officials from institutions named in the reports were also interviewed to provide their perspectives.
The report highlights specific issues such as: Invitations, intimidation, attacks, assaults, arrests, detentions, and prosecutions of journalists and citizens. The overall performance and independence of the media. The current legal environment affecting media freedom and digital rights
This report, which addresses issues on ‘Freedom of Expression and of the Press, Access to Information, and Internet Freedom and Digital Rights in Sierra Leone,’ is the fourteenth in a series produced by the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) through a component of a project titled “Enhancing Press Freedom and Media Reforms in Sierra Leone,” supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in the United States of America. The report, covering the period December 2024 to May 2025, reflects the monitoring of the exercise and legal guarantees of freedom of expression, the press, internet freedom, and digital rights in Sierra Leone. It includes issues such as invitations, intimidation, attacks, assaults, arrests, detentions, and prosecutions of journalists and other citizens, as well as monitoring media performance.
This edition is organised around the following areas: Thematic Issues-freedom of Expression and the Press (mainly focusing on the assault, arrest, and detention of journalists and other citizens); Right to Access Information, Internet Freedom, and Digital Rights; Media and Good Governance; Performance of Media Institutions; Positions of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and the Government on these issues; Status of Media and Communication Laws in Sierra Leone; Conclusion; Recommendations; References; and Appendices.
The Report was produced by monitoring issues relating to freedom of expression and the press, internet freedom, and digital rights, which were broadcast on radio and television stations, published in newspapers, and posted on social media platforms. Where necessary, individuals who were either reportedly attacked or
arrested were interviewed. Officials from institutions named in some of the reported issues were also interviewed.
The cases and issues covered in this report are:
The threat of arrest of Thomas Dixon, Managing Editor of the Salone Times Newspaper, by the Inspector General (IG) of Police, William Fayia Sellu, following a Facebook post criticizing the IG on 28 December 2024.
The arrest and subsequent court trial of Reality TV star Hawa Madiana Hunt for allegedly sending insulting messages via the computer system against President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio on social media, contrary to the Cyber Security and Crime Act No. 7 of 2021.
The barring of journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray from accessing the precincts of parliament by the
Speaker of Sierra Leone’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, on allegations of ‘malicious criticism’ on 10 January 2025.
The alleged murder of Journalist Samuel Brima Mattia, Deputy Station Manager of Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) radio FM 96.5, by the Station Manager, Joseph M Lamin, and others in Waterloo, Western Rural of Freetown on 16 January 2025.
The verbal threat against journalist Tamba Steven Ngauja by the Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in Kono District, Sahrfea Moiwa, after a comment he made about the unfulfilled promises by the ruling SLPP to provide basic amenities to the people of Kono during the 2023 general elections campaign on 26 January 2025.
The invitation of the 2023 Presidential Flagbearer of the All Peoples Congress (APC) Party, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, by the Cyber Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID.
The arrest of RTL Nieuws Africa Correspondent journalist Sophie Van Leeuwen in Freetown by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on suspicion of possible espionage and for allegedly conducting documentary work without permission from the Government of Sierra Leone on 13 February 2025.
The court matter of Mr Tejan Sheikh Rogers, a lecturer at Milton Margai Technical University, for an alleged cyberstalking under section 44 (2) b of the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2021.
The attack and assault of Journalist Alusine Rehme Wilson, Northern Chairman of the Sierra Leone Sport Writers Association (SWASAL), by supporters of Wusum Stars Football Club whilst conducting post-match interviews with Bo Rangers football players on 30 March 2025.
The alleged invitation of Thomas Pa Alie Babadie, the Executive Director of the Forum for Sierra Leone Youth Network, by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Freetown for expressing an opinion on the African Young Voices TV on 16 April 2025.
The alleged physical assault of Prince Christopher Kamara, the Editor of Open Space Newspaper, by staff members of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) due to an article that had upset them on 6 May 2025.
The alleged threat of Kandeh Sesay, the Managing Editor of the Watch Newspaper, by Anthony Vandy, a member of the media team for the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Mrs. Fatima Bio, on 11 May 2025.
The alleged assault of Foday Fofanah, a journalist working for the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media, by armed Officers of the Sierra Leone Police Force at the Model Old Road Junction on 21 May 2025.
The MRCG data showed that three of the ten cases are still inconclusive.
The MRCG notes that there were still inconclusive cases at the end of the reporting period on cases in the first edition of the Press Freedom Reports (June to November 2018), second edition (December 2018 to 2019), third edition (June to November 2019), fourth edition (December 2019 to May 2020), seventh edition (June to
November 2021), eighth edition (December 2021 to May 2022), ninth edition (June to November 2022), tenth edition (December 2022 to May 2023), eleventh edition (June to November 2023), the twelfth edition (December 2023 to May 2024), the thirteenth edition (June to November 2024) and the Fourteenth edition (December 2024 to May 2025). Ninety-eight cases were monitored from the Press Freedom Report’s First to the Fourteenth Edition. Sixty-six were concluded, settled, resolved, or dropped because of lack of progress; eight were still in court, twenty-four were still under police investigation, and nine were abandoned due to lack of progress. See details in the appendices.
While the MRCG urges media practitioners to abide by the ethical and legal standards of the journalism profession, it also calls on the Government, media organisations, civil society, and the public to ensure the safety and security of journalists across the country at all times. The MRCG also notes with concern that issues relating to the safety and security of journalists extend beyond politicians and the police, as there have been reports of attacks on journalists by local authorities, youth, and members of the public. The MRCG reminds media owners and managers that one of its reports indicates that most media houses lack a safety and security
policy, and there are concerns about addressing the welfare of journalists.
The MRCG, on World Press Freedom Day, joined media organizations and other press freedom advocates across the world to observe ‘World Press Freedom Day’ on the theme: “Reporting in the Brave New World –The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.” World Press Freedom Day, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, commemorates the
Declaration of Windhoek. On this day, the MRCG joined one of its constituent member organisations, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and other press freedom advocates in Sierra Leone and across the world to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom and reminded the Government of Sierra Leone of its commitment to upholding the right to freedom of expression and enhancing media freedom at all times.
This year’s global commemoration explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming journalism and media. The MRCG, with support from its donors, had commenced discussions and capacity-building programs on AI’s potential in enhancing investigative reporting, content creation, and fact-checking while also
considering risks such as AI-generated misinformation, deepfakes, biased content moderation, and threats to journalistic independence.The MRCG also welcomed Sierra Leone’s 8-step improvement in the World Press Freedom Index, released by
Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Out of 180 countries, Sierra Leone moved from 64th in 2024 (score: 64.27) to 56th in 2025 (score: 66.36). The assessment utilises political, economic, legislative, social, and security indicators.
The MRCG noted that this improvement results from the commitment and support of the Government of Sierra Leone and other stakeholders for media reforms in the country. The government’s repeal of the criminal libel law, along with other support and collaborations with the media, is creating changes in the media ecosystem.
The MRCG is a Coordinating Secretariat comprising the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the Faculty of Communication, Media and Information Studies (Fourah Bay College), the Independent Media Commission (IMC), the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), the Guild of Editors (GoE),
Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), Independent Radio Network (IRN), Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU), Sport Writers Association of Sierra (SWASAL) and the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).
This Fourteenth report, produced by the MRCG, is part of the project titled “Enhancing Press Freedom and Media Reforms,” which is supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in the USA. This initiative continues to assess media performance and oversee the enforcement of press freedom and freedom of
expression in Sierra Leone, including incidents of attacks, intimidation, assaults, arrests, detentions, and
prosecutions involving journalists and civil society activists, as well as issues related to the internet and digital rights.The report spans a period of six months, from December 2024 to May 2025. It is divided into the following areas: Thematic Issues focusing mainly on the cases/issues of Freedom of Expression and of the Press; the Right to Access Information; Internet Freedom and Digital Rights; Media and Good Governance; the Performance of Institutions Dealing with Freedom of Expression and of the Press, Information, Internet Freedom and Digital Rights; the Performance of Media Institutions; the Position of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists on
Freedom of Expression and of the Press, Information, Internet Freedom and Digital Rights; the Government’s Position on Freedom of Expression and of the Press, Information, Internet Freedom and Digital Rights; the Status of Media and Communication Laws in Sierra Leone; Conclusion; Recommendation; References; and Appendices.
Thirteen cases and issues related to freedom of expression and the press were covered in this edition’s report. In addition, this report follows up on cases from the first to the fourteenth editions, from June 2018 to May 2025, that were still inconclusive. Ninety-eight cases were monitored from the Press Freedom Report’s First to the Fourteenth Edition. Sixty-six were concluded, settled, resolved, or dropped because of lack of progress; eightwere still in court; twenty-four still under police investigation/inconclusive; and nine were abandoned due to lack of progress. See details in the appendices.Sierra Leone, as a country, has specific statutes (Acts) containing laws, regulations, policies, and institutions governing the media space in Sierra Leone. The significant laws used to regulate the media are the Constitution
of Sierra Leone, 1991 (Sections 25 (1) and 11); the Independent Media Commission Act, 2020; the Defamation Ordinance, 1961; and the Independent Media Commission (Print and Electronic Media) Regulations, 2022. In terms of professional aspects, there is the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Code of Ethics.
The Right to Access Information Act of 2013 allows individuals to obtain specific information from public bodies. Moreover, the Right to Access Information Regulations of 2022 enhance the effectiveness of the Commission’s operations. Additionally, the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2021 seeks to prevent, detect, prosecute, and penalize cybercrimes while safeguarding personal privacy rights.
The report was produced by monitoring issues related to freedom of expression and press freedom. Two monitors of the MRCG took daily records of significant matters relating to freedom of expression and of the media, right to access information, internet freedom, and digital rights by tracking radio, television, and newspaper contents, as well as following up on issues on social media platforms like Facebook, X, and WhatsApp. Interviews were conducted where necessary, with some individuals who were reportedly attacked, intimidated, or arrested.
Officials of institutions named in some issues were also interviewed the MRCG thanks NED for funding the project. Special thanks also go to the authors of the monthly reports, Saidu Kamara and Florence Bernard, as well as their supervisor, Ishiaka Sannoh. This fourteenth biannual report was written by Francis Sowa (Ph.D., Esq.) and Augustine S. James.
THEMATIC ISSUES:
Freedom of Expression and the Press
The MRCG’s monthly media monitoring reports, from December 2024 to May 2025, documented the following.
On 28 December 2024, the editor of Salone Times Newspaper, Thomas Dickson, allegedly received threatening arrest from the Inspector General (IG) of Police, William Fayia Sellu, following a Facebook post criticizing the IG for allegedly revoking a court bail which the journalist described as the unnecessary use of “orders from above” to keep people in detention. The IG, in an interview, denied all social media reports that the police were looking out for or harassing journalist Dickson. He stated that he had not given instructions to any officer to either invite, arrest, or harass Thomas Dixon, adding that some senior journalists had advised him to file a formal complaint against the journalist with the IMC if he felt offended by his post.
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) issued a press statement on the matter, explaining its role as an intermediary to ease the tension at the time. In some press releases, SLAJ, MRCG, and the Guild of Editors condemned the alleged threat and called on the SLP to address the issue amicably and ensure the safety of the journalist and his family. In the same effort, SLAJ met with the IG on 31 December 2024 to resolve the matter. During the meeting, the alleged threats involving the IG and Dixon were reviewed, and the matter was amicably resolved. The Inspector General assured SLAJ that there was never any threat to the safety and security of Thomas Dixon, who had since returned home with his family after they went into hiding following concerns about his safety. Dixon, in turn, agreed to
voluntarily remove his Facebook post referring to the IG as “arrogant.” between the journalist and the IG.
On 8 January 2025, a reality TV star, Hawa Madiana Hunt, was arrested and charged in court with two counts under the Cyber Security and Crime Act No. 7 of 2021, for allegedly sending insulting messages via a computer system against President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio on social media. She was on
diverse dates in January 2025 and denied bail by Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Court No. 2 at the Pademba Road Magistrate’s Court in Freetown. On 1 March 2025, First Lady Madam Fatima Bio, in a live Facebook session,called for the release of Hawa Hunt, emphasising that she had no involvement in Hunt’s arrest or subsequent
charges. She urged those responsible for her detention to reconsider and allow her to reunite with her children. The Judiciary of Sierra Leone on 4 March 2025 posted on X that the Court of Appeal Judge, Hon. Justice Tonia Barnett has discontinued the matter between the STATE VS HAWA HUNT, adding that the Director of Public Persecutions, through his state counsel Yusuf I Sesay, applied for a discontinuance of the matter citing Section 66 (4) (c) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone.
On 10 January 2025, the Speaker of Sierra Leone’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas barred journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray, a member of the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery (SLPPG), from accessing the precincts of parliament on allegations of ‘malicious criticism.’ The Hon. Speaker Thomas stated
that his ruling barring the journalist will remain in force until Parliament takes the necessary actions against the journalist for engaging in insulting conduct against Members of Parliament (MPs). According to the journalist, he was barred from the precincts of parliament due to his criticism of a program regarding the procedure by which the former Auditor-General, Lara Taylor Pearce, was removed. The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery (SLPPG), in their press releases dated 10 January 2025, called on Parliament to reconsider its decision. SLAJ, in a subsequent engagement with the Speaker of Parliament over the journalist’s ban, agreed upon the following resolutions: Parliament to consider SLAJ’s proposal to revoke the ban on the journalist, Parliament to submit a formal complaint to the Independent Media Commission (IMC) outlining their grievances against journalist Melvin Tejan, SLAJ to collaborate with Parliament to facilitate the election of an executive to manage the affairs of the SLPPG and provide regular training and capacity-building initiatives for journalists reporting on parliamentary activities. In February 2025, the journalist informed MRCG that he had received a summon letter from the Clerk of the Privileges and Ethics Committee in Parliament, notifying him of a hearing regarding his matter scheduled for 4 March 2025.
The journalist informed MRCG that the Privileges and Ethics Committee of Parliament summoned him on 4 March 2025 regarding his matter. During the summons, he apologised and withdrew the statements he had made against the members of Parliament, and the matter was adjourned to a later date. The journalist stated that he was awaiting the report and outcome of the hearing by the Privileges and Ethics Committee. In May 2025, the journalist informed MRCG that the Privileges and Ethics Committee of Parliament had tabled the report regarding his hearing. Two SLPP Members of Parliament subsequently moved a motion for the report to be debated, but noted that a date for the debate had not been set.
On 16 January 2025, Journalist Samuel Brima Mattia, Deputy Station Manager of Voice of Peace and Development (VOPAD) radio FM 96.5, was reportedly murdered by the Station Manager, Joseph M Lamin, and others in Waterloo, Western Rural of Freetown. In a press release dated 16 January 2025, SLAJ condemned the
killing of the journalist and called for a swift police investigation, urging the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) to undertake a comprehensive and prompt investigation surrounding the murder. The police received a report of the remains of a person whose family and community members subsequently identified as journalist Samuel Brima Mattia. Upon police investigation and further inquiries, the Station Manager, Joseph M Lamin, confessed to orchestrating the killing of his deputy, Samuel Brima Mattia, because of disputes between them. Police have arrested the alleged hired killers and are helping with further investigation. In February 2025, the primary
suspect, Joseph M Lamin, whom police claimed confessed to the crime, along with two others, were charged incourt on two counts of Conspiracy to murder and Murder. The matter had been raised on various dates in February, March, April, and May 2025, but was still unresolved as of the time of this report.
On 26 January 2025, journalist Tamba Steven Ngauja, allegedly received a verbal threat from the Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in Kono District, Sahrfea Moiwa, following a comment he made regarding the unfulfilled promises by the ruling SLPP to provide basic amenities to the people of Kono during the 2023 general elections campaign in Kono. The journalist told MRCG that after he had commented on an event attended by First Lady Fatima Bio, the Chairman threatened to hire thugs to physically beat him, saying that the journalists in Kono were in the habit of disrespecting His Excellency, the President, Julius Maada Bio. The journalist said he and his colleagues were preparing to file a report to the police concerning the threat. Chairman Sahrfea Moiwa denied threatening to hire thugs to assault any journalist, including Ngauja. In February 2025,the journalist told MRCG that the situation had been resolved and that he felt safe afterwards, as various
stakeholders and institutions in Kono condemned the Chairman’s actions. He stated that there was a public retraction and assurances regarding journalists’ safety in Kono from the Chairman and other stakeholders. He also mentioned that he and his colleagues had decided not to report the threat to the police, as they believed the matter was resolved.
On 4 February 2025, the Cyber Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), in a letter dated 4 February 2025, invited the 2023 Presidential Flagbearer of the All Peoples Congress (APC) Party, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara for an interview concerning an alleged social media video in which he was seen referred
to as the president elect of the Republic of Sierra Leone, awaiting to assume the seat of power. He was also seen making statements endorsing the same. The National Publicity Secretary of the APC Party, Sidi Yayah Tunis, told MRCG that neither the police nor Dr Samura Kamara had informed the party. As such, the Party at the time had no information regarding the matter. He continued that the APC party had distanced itself from any group purporting to be an electoral justice organisation on political issues related to the APC. At the time of writing this report, the MRCG made every effort to reach out to the Police but was unable to receive a response from them.
In April 2025, the CID invited Dr Samura Kamara, the 2023 Presidential Flagbearer of the All Peoples Congress (APC) Party, for questioning, but he did not attend. This follows an initial invitation by the Cyber Unit of the CID on 4 February 2025 for questioning concerning an alleged social media video in which he was seen referred to as the president elect of the Republic of Sierra Leone, awaiting to assume the seat of power and where he was also reportedly seen making statements endorsing same. Amos Lansana, an officer attached to the Cybercrime Unit atthe CID Headquarters, told MRCG that Dr Samura Kamara had yet to respond to their invitation but that they were expecting him to do so. He said they would take another action if he did not report to the CID. In May 2025, Amos Lansana, an officer attached to the Cybercrime Unit at the CID Headquarters, informed MRCG that Dr Samura Kamara had responded to their invitation and that they were still investigating the matter.
On 13 February 2025, SLAJ, in a press alert, stated that the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) had arrested RTL Nieuws Africa Correspondent and journalist Sophie Van Leeuwen in Freetown on suspicion of possible espionage and for allegedly conducting documentary work without permission from the Government of Sierra Leone. In its press release on the same date, the SLP stated that journalist Sophie was questioned for allegedly conducting documentary work without the required permissions. However, she was later released to continue her work “following her compliance with the interrogation.” SLAJ later confirmed that the personal items belonging to the Dutch journalist Sophie Van Leeuwen her passport, mobile phone, and camera—remain in police custody, despite her release to continue her work. According to Joseph Turay, a local journalist who assisted Sophie on the day of her arrest, Sophie got accreditation from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) as a foreign journalist. The police, upon completion of their investigation, released journalist Sophie on the same day of her arrest to carry on her work, but her personal belongings remained in police custody. The journalist later
departed Sierra Leone on 17 February 2025, after her belongings, which the police had initially seized, were returned to her. Following this incident, SLAJ called on all foreign journalists planning to work in Sierra Leone to obtain the necessary clearance from government authorities and to notify the journalists’ union, SLAJ, of their presence and the nature of their work.
On 17 March 2025, Mr Tejan Sheikh Rogers, a lecturer at the Milton Margai Technical University, appared in court on one count charge for cyber stalking, under section 44 (2) b of the Cyber Security and Crime Act of 2021, for allegedly using his WhatSapp number to create and post recorded audios and text messages in a
WhatSapp group called “Maada must stay Campaign,” deemed to have damaged the reputation of the university’s Vice Chancellor and Principal Dr. Philip Kanu. The Matter had come up on various dates in March, April, and May 2025 at the Pademba Road Magistrate Court No. 2, but was still not concluded as of the time of this report.
On 30 March 2025,Journalist Alusine Rehme Wilson, Northern Chairman of the Sierra Leone Sport Writers Association (SWASAL), was allegedly attacked and assaulted by supporters of Wusum Stars Football Club whilst conducting post-match interviews with Bo Rangers football players. The journalist told MRCG that he was
currently receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the alleged attack. He added that he was in the process of filing a police report against the individuals responsible for the incident. SWASAL issued a press release on 31 March 2025, condemning the alleged attack against the journalist and calling on the relevant
authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident. In April 2025, the journalist informed MRCG that he had reported the matter to the Rogbaneh Police Station in Makeni, but stated that his two witnesses had not appeared at the police station to make statements. The President of the SWASSAL, Sahr Morris Junior, informed MRCG that he had filed a complaint with the Sierra Leone Premier League Board but had yet to receive a response from them. In May 2025, Sahr Morris Junior told MRCG that he was called to a meeting with the leadership of the Premier League, and the Board promised to investigate the matter.
On 16 April 2025, Thomas Pa Alie Babadie, the Executive Director for Forum for Sierra Leone Youth Network, was invited by CID in Freetown after expressing an opinion at the African Young Voices TV regarding the ‘incompetence’ of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu in managing the office. In a
social media claim, it was alleged that shortly after sharing his views on the AYV Program about the IG, Mr. Babadie received calls from the CID requesting that he report for questioning about his statements concerning the IG. The Deputy Head of Media, ASP, Bobson Senu, told the MRCG that the allegation that Mr. Babadie was
invited for questioning was false On May 6 2025, Prince Christopher Kamara, Editor of Open Space Newspaper, was allegedly assaulted by staff members of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), due to an article that had upset them. The
journalist reported to the MRCG that he had gone to the SLBC Broadcasting House to interview the Deputy Director General, Asmieu Bah, after receiving information about a possible strike at the SLBC compound. During his visit, a group of SLBC staff confronted and physically attacked him, ultimately throwing him out of the
compound because of the critical story he had published about the current Director General. He told MRCG that he sustained multiple injuries during the assault. Kamara formally reported the incident to the following institutions, including the New England Village Police Station, the Director General of the SLBC, and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ). In a report dated 15 May 2025, SLAJ condemned the physical attack on the journalist during the protest, asserting that there is no justification for violence against any journalist, regardless of the circumstances, and called for a peaceful resolution. The Guild of Newspaper Editors (GoE) also issued a press release on 7 May 2025, denouncing the violent assault on Kamara and urging the SLBC leadership to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. The MRCG also issued a press release on the issue, calling on relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter. In a dialogue facilitated by SLAJ, the journalist, his employer, and the SLBC Director General expressed concern for Kamara’s health and agreed to work together to resolve the matter amicably.
On May 11, 2025, Kandeh Sesay, Managing Editor of The Watch Newspaper, received a threat from Anthony Vandy, allegedly a member of the media team of the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mrs. Fatima Bio. Sesay reported to MRCG that the threat was communicated through a WhatsApp group called ‘Miracle Media Network (MMN),’ following his publication of an analysis related to a report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). This report investigated allegations of corruption related to a property in The Gambia, linked to the First Lady, Fatima Bio. According to Sesay, Vandy threatened to take legal action against him and claimed he would ensure that Sesay faced a jail term. Although Sesay has not yet reported the incident to the police, he told MRCG that he plans to do so. At the time this report was prepared, Anthony Vandy had not responded to the MRCG’s inquiries.
On 21 May 2025, Foday Fofanah, a journalist working for the Africa Young Voices Media Empire, was allegedly assaulted by armed Officers of the Sierra Leone Police Force on 21 May 2025, at the Model Old Road Junction in Freetown. An Initial report on social media indicated that the altercation began when the journalist intervened in a public incident involving police officers and a commercial motorbike rider, during which a female street vendor’s goods were destroyed. In expressing concern for the woman’s loss, the officers physically attacked the journalist. According to a video that circulated on social media, the journalist was physically assaulted, pepper-sprayed, and threatened with a firearm, sustaining injuries and a swollen eye during the assault by the officers.
In their press releases dated 22 May 2025, the MRCG, SLAJ, AYV, and SLRU condemned the attack on the journalist and called on the authorities to swiftly investigate the matter. The Deputy Head of Media of the SLP, ASP Bobson Senu, told MRCG that the journalist had reported the matter to the CDID and that they were investigating the matter.
Right to Access Information:
The Chairman and Information Commissioner of the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC), Dr Ibrahim Seaga-Shaw, told MRCG that the monitoring and evaluation processes for the current year have followed the standard practice of reviewing data from the previous year, noting that this involves issuing formal memos to public authorities and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), requesting them to provide data relevant to access to information compliance. He continued that the compiled information typically includes data submitted through
official compliance templates and records of requests in which the office has been directly involved. All of this data is consolidated into a single reporting structure to track national trends and compliance progress.
As of December 2024, to May 2025, he said that data has been collected from all regions. From January to May 2025, the Western Region reportedly submitted 37 requests, with approximately 80 per cent receiving positive responses. In the Southern Region, 16 requests were received, with only one denial, while the remaining requests were approved and fulfilled. The Eastern Region recorded 25 cases, with two still pending, and approximately 90 per cent of the requests received satisfactory responses. The Northern region received 15 requests, with 10 being successful.
In total, he told MRCG that 92 information requests have been recorded nationwide, with direct involvement from the office. However, it was noted that this figure does not include requests managed independently by public institutions. By legal mandate, data is not collected until the end of the calendar year, making these 92 cases only a portion of the actual volume of requests made nationwide.
“The data shows that the Eastern and Western Regions recorded the highest number of requests this year, a shift from the previous year when the Northern Region led in volume. Once the data from the Northern Region, covering seven districts, is received, the national total is expected to increase significantly, likely exceeding current figures. There has been a notable improvement in public engagement and compliance compared to the same period last year. At this time last year, the total number of cases nationwide had not reached 40, while today, the Western Region
alone accounts for 37 cases. This significant growth reflects the positive impact of the Commission’s ongoing public sensitization efforts and rising public awareness of the right to access information,” he noted.
He continued that the popularisation campaigns are yielding results, with active use of media platforms to educate the public, including a biweekly television program titled ‘RAIC Hour’ aired on SLBC TV. Regular public notices and press statements are issued to ensure that both print and electronic media widely cover activities. Appearances on various media outlets, such as AYV, have been made, with plans to extend this outreach further. These efforts aim to expand public understanding of the law and the right to information.
Recently, regional outreach visits were conducted to promote the use of digital platforms and encourage compliance reporting and proactive disclosure. Feedback from participants indicated a strong interest in exercising the right to access public information. To build on this momentum, plans are underway to launch a series of public lectures nationwide, with a particular focus on institutions of higher education, including universities and colleges. The goal is to educate students who will become future public sector employees about the principles of transparency and
accountability, ensuring they enter the workforce with a solid understanding of the law and a commitment to openness.
On the digital front, last year we launched an online platform that allows individuals to submit information requests electronically. This initiative was part of a broader effort to improve capacity building and streamline access. Currently, the platform features a dropdown list of 50 MDAs. When a user selects an institution and submits a request through the system, both the MDA and our Commission receive a copy.
The system is working well, and we intend to expand it to include all MDAs, ensuring comprehensive national coverage. This initiative has significantly increased the visibility of the Commission and made it easier for the public to engage with public authorities. The collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education remained strong, highlighting the ministry’s leading role in amending the Right to Access Information law and introducing the Data Protection Bill. The Ministry is responsible for advancing these legislative efforts through the Cabinet and ultimately to Parliament, indicating that their support has been crucial for reform initiatives.