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The African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN) has urged the Sierra Leone Parliament, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to swiftly address the indefinite ban on parliamentary journalist, Melvin Tejan Mansaray.
In a press release dated February 10, 2025, the APPN highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive investigation into the events leading to Mansaray’s exclusion from parliamentary coverage.
The ban, effective January10,2025, was imposed by Speaker Hon. Solomon Segepoh Thomas, who cited allegations of reckless and insulting criticism. The decision has prompted reactions from various stakeholders, including the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery (PPG) and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).
Despite interventions from the PPG and SLAJ, along with concerns voiced by media watchdogs, no formal complaint has been submitted to the Independent Media Commission (IMC), the governing body for media disputes.
The APPN expressed concern that the delay in resolving this issue threatens press freedom and establishes a troubling precedent for journalism in Sierra Leone. The APPN reaffirmed its commitment to ethical journalism, stressing the importance of journalistic freedom as a cornerstone of democracy.
They cautioned that silencing journalists through indefinite bans hampers dialogue, diminishes accountability, and undermines democratic values. “Democratic accountability necessitates that public officials and institutions remain transparent and open to criticism. A balanced approach is crucial to safeguarding both institutional integrity and democratic principles,” the statement asserted.
Mansaray’s indefinite suspension has raised significant concerns about press freedom and transparency in parliamentary reporting. The APPN warned that restricting journalists could deter practitioners from engaging in critical and investigative reporting, ultimately compromising the public’s right to information.In alignment with calls from SLAJ and the PPG, the APPN urged Parliament to adopt a more constructive framework for handling disputes with journalists.
They suggested that concerns related to journalistic misconduct be processed through independent regulatory bodies like the IMC and SLAJ, instead of issuing outright bans.
Additionally, the APPN proposed fostering dialogue with all relevant stakeholders to reach an amicable resolution that preserves both press freedom and institutional integrity. They expressed a readiness to collaborate with Sierra Leone Parliament’s leadership in formulating a code of conduct that would govern interactions between parliament and the media. This framework aims to provide clear guidelines for managing future disputes in a structured and transparent manner.
Emphasizing their commitment to building constructive relationships between parliamentary institutions and the media, the APPN aims to promote good governance and sustainable development. They have pledged to facilitate discussions to resolve the current conflict effectively while ensuring similar issues are handled more adeptly in the future.
The APPN’s call emphasizes the essential need for dialogue, transparency, and adherence to democratic standards in addressing press-related matters within parliamentary environments.
