SiLBA Appeals for Urgent Support After Fire Destroys Two Community Radio Stations

The Sierra Leone Broadcasters’ Association (SiLBA) has appealed for urgent support following the destruction of two community radio stations—Radio Bankhi-Solofaray FM 93.7 and Voice of Youth Radio FM 107.1—in separate fire incidents in the North-West Region.

The fires, which occurred on January 9, 2026, caused extensive damage to both stations, disrupting broadcasting services to their respective communities.

Radio Bankhi-Solofaray FM 93.7, located in Kukuna Town, Bramaia Chiefdom, Kambia District, was completely destroyed by fire. According to the station’s manager, Abubakarr Conteh, the cause of the incident remains unknown and has not yet been officially established by the relevant authorities.

In a related incident, Voice of Youth Radio FM 107.1 in Songo also suffered a fire outbreak. Information available to SiLBA suggests the blaze was likely caused by a fault in the station’s solar power system. The association said it has deployed a fact-finding team to assess the extent of the damage and gather further details.

Preliminary assessments indicate that both stations suffered significant losses, including institutional records, office equipment, and essential broadcasting tools. Items destroyed reportedly include computers, transmitters, surge protectors, and other operational equipment, with losses estimated to run into millions of leones.

Reacting to the incidents, SiLBA President, Stanley Bangura Jr., expressed sympathy to the boards, management, staff, and communities served by the affected stations, describing the fires as a major setback to community broadcasting.

He called for immediate intervention, noting that the incidents occurred at a time when the media sector was entering the new year with renewed expectations for growth and improved public service delivery.

SiLBA has therefore appealed to corporate bodies, development partners, media stakeholders, and members of the public to provide financial, technical, and logistical support to help rebuild the stations and restore their services.

SiLBA is the national umbrella organisation for broadcasters in Sierra Leone. Incorporated in 2022, the association works to promote cooperation, professional standards, and the welfare of radio and television institutions across the country.