By Mabinty M. Kamara
The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Ahmed Sahid Nasralla has in a New Year message highlighted attacks on journalists in line of duty as a major challenge that the profession continues to grapple with.
“Just a couple of days ago former Member of Parliament Honourable Lahai Marah attacked our former President Umaru Fofana online, accusing him of conspiring with the government to imprison rapper LAJ, a calculated disinformation attempt to build negative, and even life-threatening, sentiments against the revered journalist,” the statement reads in part.
The president in the statement emphasized that the safety and security of journalists pose a critical concern “for us and we will continue to engage with political parties and the security sector and other stakeholders to ensure a conducive environment for our journalists to do their work. Those who attack journalists, whether verbally or physically must be made to bear the consequences of their actions.”
He also noted reports of unfair treatment and harassment from journalists working in media institutions by their superiors. However, he said they have engaged the relevant authorities through the appropriate channels “to address these issues in the best interest of all, including the institutions themselves.”
Nasralla also dedicated the association’s commitment to continue to invest in the Golden Jubilee Journalism Welfare Fund to support members in times of crisis.
He also mentioned a pending meeting with the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swarray for further discussions on a bargaining certificate for reporters. “We have urged the Independent Media Commission to ensure strict compliance with statutory obligations by media owners and employers,” he said.
The president in the statement also highlighted efforts made by the Association in the last year to ensure a smooth electoral circle such as the launch of the SLAJ Media Manifesto which contains eight thematic areas as priority for the media in Sierra Leone, the fight to combat the current information disorder facing the world through two of the association’s platforms the SLAJ/NDI SuperNewsRoom and the iVerify hosted at the SLAJ headquarters in Freetown to combat fake news, and the Gender Equality and Equity policy among others.
“Our role as journalists has never been more critical, and we should continue to play an integral part in upholding the principles of a free media. Our relentless pursuit of truth, even in the face of adversity, should be a testament to the unwavering spirit of our profession. Journalism is a noble profession, and our commitment to the truth is what makes it so,” said the president in the statement.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (10/01/24)
