SLAJ Condemns SLPP Publicity Secretary Over Allegations Against Journalist Victor Jones
Aaron Parker The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has condemned allegations made by the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) National Publicity Secretary, Moses Sellu Mambu, against AYV Media Empire journalist Victor Jones, warning that such statements could undermine journalists’ professional reputations and expose them to hostility.
In a press release dated Wednesday, October 28, 2026, SLAJ said it had received a formal complaint from Jones on October 21 concerning remarks Mambu allegedly made during the Liberty TV Online Breakfast Show, hosted by Khadija Bangura and Mabel Kabba, on October 19.
According to the Association, Mambu reportedly accused Jones of being among journalists pursuing an agenda against the SLPP. He also alleged that Jones and fellow journalist Thomas Dixon had conspired to submit a false report against him to SLAJ.
SLAJ said its Secretary General, Edward Fara Marrah, contacted Mambu for his response. Mambu reportedly clarified that his remarks about an agenda against the SLPP referred to media houses rather than Jones personally. However, he maintained his allegation that Jones and Dixon had conspired to submit a false report against him.
Following a review of the available evidence, including a video recording of the broadcast, SLAJ expressed concern that the statements could damage Jones’s professional reputation and expose him to unwarranted hostility.
The Association further stated that its records contained no evidence of a false report submitted by Jones and Dixon against Mambu. It therefore rejected the allegation as unsupported by its records and called for responsible public communication on matters involving journalists and their professional work.
SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara said journalists had a constitutional responsibility to inform the public, scrutinise those in authority and hold power to account. He stressed that their professional work should not be portrayed as an agenda against a political party simply because their reporting might be critical or uncomfortable.
Kamara added that concerns about journalists’ conduct should be raised through appropriate channels and addressed on the basis of evidence.
The Association also warned that publicly associating a named journalist with hostility towards a ruling political party could have serious implications in an already polarised environment, potentially exposing media practitioners to intimidation, harassment and threats to their personal safety.
SLAJ urged political leaders and party officials to exercise restraint in their public statements and avoid remarks that could encourage hostility towards journalists. It specifically called on Mambu to act responsibly in his public pronouncements and respect the independence and professional role of the media.
The Association also encouraged political actors to address grievances involving journalists through constructive engagement and established complaint mechanisms.
Reaffirming its commitment to ethical and responsible journalism, SLAJ said it would continue to defend press freedom and the rights, safety and professional dignity of journalists across Sierra Leone.
It added that it would continue engaging political leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen mutual understanding and ensure journalists could perform their duties without fear or favour.
