SLAJ President-Elect, Alhaji Manika Kamara Makes Maiden Address

Alhaji Manika Kamara, the newly elected President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), delivered his maiden address following his victory in the just-concluded SLAJ elections on Saturday evening, June 15 at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown.

In his speech, Kamara described his election win as a collective achievement for all journalists in Sierra Leone while adding that the victory was not his alone but belonged to members of the Association and a symbol of their unity, resilience, and the continued fight for press freedom in the country.

“This is not just my win. This is SLAJ’s victory—a victory for unity, for resilience, and for the enduring spirit of press freedom in Sierra Leone,” Kamara said hours after the results were announced.

He expressed gratitude to all who participated in the elections, including his opponent Mustapha Sesay. Kamara commended Sesay for his passion, vision, and the vibrant debate he brought to the campaign. “SLAJ needs your energy, your ideas, and your continued commitment,” he said, urging his rival to remain engaged in the association’s activities.

The President-elect also congratulated all newly elected officials and encouraged those who were unsuccessful to stay involved. “There is work for everyone at this table. SLAJ is strongest when all voices are heard, and all hands are on deck,” he noted.

He pledged to focus on press freedom, professionalism, and the welfare of journalists. He stressed the importance of transparency, humility, and service, reminding members that credibility remains the association’s greatest asset.

“We owe it to the founders of SLAJ to carry their dream forward with integrity. And we owe it to the next generation to leave them something stronger than what we inherited,” Kamara said.

He concluded with a call for unity and collective purpose, stating that SLAJ represents more than an association but a legacy and a promise to uphold the truth and serve the nation.

Kamara was declared winner on Saturday after a landslide victory over his main opponent, Mustapha Sesay. Result from the polls indicated that Kamara secured 308 votes out of the 461 total ballots casted.

Kamara comes with a wealth experience as an executive of the SLAJ after serving as Assistant Secretary General and Secretary General under the erstwhile President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla.

His main opponent, Sesay is yet to officially concede defeat after losing for the third time on different occasions.