The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has called for urgent action by law enforcement authorities following an allegation that Moses Sellu Mambu, National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), threatened journalist, Thomas Josephus Dixon, Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors and Managing Editor of the New Age Newspaper.
The alleged incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, 27 September 2026, after a television programme at Africa Young Voices (AYV) in Freetown, prompting concerns about the safety of journalists and the protection of press freedom in the country.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, and signed by SLAJ National Secretary General, Edward Fara Marrah, the Association described the allegation as serious and called for an immediate, impartial and credible investigation to establish the facts.
According to a formal complaint received by SLAJ, Dixon alleged that Mambu approached him after the programme in the presence of presenter, Victor Jones, and videographer, Abu Bakarr Kamara, and made remarks he considered threatening.
The complaint quoted Mambu as allegedly saying: “We will hit you hard! This is the same reason for which your friend Samura was killed the last time.”
SLAJ said Dixon subsequently submitted a formal eyewitness account in support of his complaint, adding that the reported remarks warranted serious attention from the relevant authorities.
The Association expressed particular concern over the alleged reference to journalist, Ibrahim Samura, who died after sustaining injuries in a physical assault while covering the 2018 elections. Criminal proceedings arising from the case subsequently ended in acquittals.
SLAJ President, Alhaji Manika Kamara, stressed that threats against journalists extend beyond individual safety, potentially undermining press freedom and the public’s right to access information.
“A threat against a journalist should not be seen as a personal matter only; it is a direct threat to the free press and, by extension, the public’s right to know. Journalists must never be forced to choose between carrying out their professional duty and protecting their lives,” Kamara stated.
He added that the reported reference to the death of another journalist made the allegation particularly disturbing, while emphasising the need for a proper investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Whether such words were intended as a threat or otherwise must be established through a proper investigation. What cannot be acceptable is for any journalist to be left living in fear because of his or her professional work,” he said.
However, Mambu has denied the allegation. According to SLAJ, he told Secretary General, Edward Fara Marrah, that his interaction with Dixon after the live programme involved only cautioning the journalist to be careful.
Against this background, SLAJ has urged the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant authorities to investigate the complaint promptly, establish the facts and take appropriate action based on the outcome of their findings.
The Association has also called on the SLPP leadership to publicly reaffirm its commitment to journalists’ safety and unequivocally reject threats, intimidation or any form of hostility directed at media practitioners, regardless of their political affiliations or professional activities.
In addition, SLAJ has urged the relevant authorities to assess the security concerns raised by Dixon and provide appropriate protection for him and his family, if necessary, while investigations continue.
The Association maintained that freedom of expression and freedom of the press cannot flourish in an environment where journalists face threats of violence or fear reprisals for performing their professional duties.
SLAJ said it would continue to monitor developments surrounding the complaint and provide appropriate support to Dixon within the scope of its mandate.
The Association also encouraged journalists to remain committed to accuracy, fairness, courage and professional ethics in their reporting, while urging political actors and public officials to resolve disagreements with the media through lawful and democratic channels.
Reaffirming its position on press freedom, SLAJ declared: “Criticism of journalism may be legitimate; intimidation and threats against journalists are not.”