The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) expresses serious concern over statements made by the National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Mr.
Moses Sellu Mambu, who allegedly accused journalist Victor Jones of AYV Media Empire of pursuing an agenda against the party and conspiring to submit a false report against him to SLAJ.
On 21 October 2026, SLAJ received a formal complaint from Mr. Jones concerning remarks Mr.
Mambu allegedly made during the Liberty TV Online Breakfast Show, hosted by Khadija Bangura and Mabel Kabba, on 19 October 2026.
In the broadcast, Mr. Mambu reportedly accused Mr. Jones of being among journalists setting an agenda against the SLPP and alleged that Mr. Jones and fellow journalist Thomas Dixon had conspired to submit a false report against him to SLAJ.
When contacted by SLAJ Secretary General Edward Farah Marah for his response, Mr. Mambu stated that his remarks about an agenda against the SLP referred to media houses rather than Mr. Jones personally. However, he maintained his allegation that Mr. Jones and Mr. Dixon had conspired to submit a false report against him.
Having reviewed the available evidence, including a video recording of the broadcast, SLAJ is concerned that the statements made against Mr. Jones could undermine his professional reputation and expose him to unwarranted hostility.
SLAJ also wishes to clarify that its records contain no evidence of a false report submitted by Mr. Jones and Mr. Dixon against Mr. Mambu. The Association therefore rejects the allegation as unsupported by its records and calls for responsible public communication on matters involving journalists and their professional work.
SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara said, “Journalists have a constitutional responsibility to inform the public, scrutinise those in authority and hold power to account. Their professional work should not be portrayed as an agenda against a political party just because their reporting may be critical or uncomfortable. Any concerns about a journalist’s conduct should be raised through appropriate channels and addressed on the basis of evidence.”
SLAJ is particularly concerned about the potential implications of publicly associating a named journalist with hostility towards a ruling political party in an already polarised environment. Such statements can expose journalists to intimidation, harassment and threats to their personal safety.
Political leaders and party officials must therefore exercise restraint and ensure that their public statements do not encourage hostility towards media practitioners.
The Association calls on Mr. Mambu to exercise greater responsibility in his public pronouncements and to respect the independence and professional role of journalists.
SLAJ also encourages all political actors to address grievances involving the media through constructive engagement and established complaint mechanisms.
SLAJ remains committed to promoting ethical and responsible journalism while defending press freedom and the rights, safety and professional dignity of journalists across Sierra Leone.
The Association will continue to engage political leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen mutual understanding and ensure that journalists can carry out their duties without fear or favour.
