In a heartfelt New Year message delivered to fellow journalists, media practitioners, and partners, Ahmed Sahid Nasrallah, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), expressed both optimism and reflection as the nation steps into 2025.

“Let us take a moment to remember our colleagues who are in distress, sick, or have passed away. They remain in our thoughts and prayers,” Nasrallah stated, emphasizing solidarity within the media community.

Reflecting on the past year, he highlighted the resilience and commitment demonstrated by the media in Sierra Leone. “The past year has been a testament to our collective resilience and commitment to media development in Sierra Leone.

Together, we have achieved significant milestones,” he noted, reiterating the importance of press freedom and the media’s role in democracy.

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Despite these achievements, Nasrallah acknowledged that challenges remain. He pointed to ongoing issues related to the safety and security of journalists, the financial sustainability of media houses, and the need for ethical standards. “As an association, we remain committed to addressing these issues through dialogue, consultation, advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders,” he said.

Looking ahead, Nasrallah identified 2025 as a year of potential growth and innovation. He outlined plans to enhance engagement with policymakers and development partners, improve media professionalism, and explore sustainable financing models for public interest journalism. He urged the government to honor its commitment to the National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM), which is set to launch its pilot phase in early 2025.

Nasrallah also announced the continuation of the Iverify platform, aimed at promoting information integrity, thanks to dedicated teams of fact-checkers and support from UNDP and its partners.

In an effort to strengthen the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery (SLPPG), SLAJ has resumed engagement with parliamentary leadership. The SLAJ Electoral Commission (SLAJEC) will collaborate with the gallery’s interim executive to establish a roadmap for elections, ensuring a democratically elected executive is in place early this year.

Under a new EU-funded project, SLAJ aims to work with various stakeholders to advocate for the inclusion of a standalone chapter on media and communication in the ongoing constitutional review process. This initiative seeks to establish foundational principles for the media sector, marking a significant step toward guaranteeing freedom of expression in Sierra Leone.

Furthermore, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) plans to collaborate with SLAJ to enhance its capacity as a union, focusing on growth and the defense of media freedom. The EU project will also help promote SLAJ’s Gender Equality Policy as a national framework for media outlets.

In a significant development, SLAJ has adopted a new constitution aimed at addressing operational and financial management gaps, following recommendations from the Anti-Corruption Commission’s review.

As the New Year unfolds, Nasrallah urged journalists to reflect on their role in promoting media development and fostering a united Sierra Leone. He expressed concern over political polarization and the media’s complicity in deepening divides through partisan narratives. “Now more than ever, the media must redefine its role as a catalyst for constructive dialogue,” he stated, calling for fair, accurate reporting that prioritizes national interest over sectional loyalties.

In a commitment to using media platforms for peace and stability, he encouraged journalists to amplify voices of reason and foster understanding among diverse groups.

Nasrallah also announced the second public edition of the SLAJ National Media Awards, scheduled for April 11, 2025, at the Bintumani International Conference Foyer, in partnership with Africell, UNDP Sierra Leone, and United Bank for Africa.

He acknowledged the significant role of the private sector in supporting the media in Sierra Leone, highlighting the contributions of Africell, Mercury International, Orange SL, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), ECOBANK, Zenith Bank, Leone Rock, and NP-SL Limited.

Expressing gratitude to public sector partners, he said, “We also thank NaTCA, NASSIT, NRA, and PRA for their support.”

Addressing industry stakeholders, he added, “To MRCG, IMC, NaTCA, RAIC, BBC Media Action SL, IRN, and SiLBA, we remain committed to collaboration and consultation as we seek innovative solutions to the challenges facing the media in Sierra Leone.”

In his closing remarks, Nasrallah informed colleagues and stakeholders that this will be his final New Year message as SLAJ President, announcing that the next SLAJ elections will take place on June 7, 2025, in Freetown, with details regarding the venue to follow.

As the media community enters 2025, the call for unity, professionalism, and ethical standards resonates strongly, underscoring the vital role of journalism in shaping a cohesive and progressive Sierra Leone.