SLAJ Raises Alarm Over Alleged Threat Against Newspaper Editor
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has condemned an alleged threat against journalist Thomas Josephus Dixon, Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors and Managing Editor of the New Age Newspaper, reportedly made by Moses Sellu Mambu, National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLP), following a television programme at Africa Young Voices (AYV) in Freetown on Sunday, 27 September 2026.
According to a formal complaint received by SLAJ, Mr. Dixon alleges that, after the programme, Mr. Mambu approached him in the presence of the programme presenter, Victor Jones, and videographer, Abu Bakarr Kamara, and said:
“We will hit you hard! This is the same reason for which your friend Samura was killed the last time.”
Mr. Jones has subsequently provided SLAJ with a formal eyewitness account that corroborated the allegation.
The Association considers the reported statement extremely grave and disturbing, particularly because it allegedly invoked the death of journalist Ibrahim Samura, who died following a physical assault sustained while covering the 2018 elections. Criminal proceedings arising from the case subsequently ended in acquittals.
SLAJ considers the allegation sufficiently serious to warrant an immediate, impartial and credible investigation by the appropriate authorities.
SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara said:
“A threat against a journalist should not be seen as a personal matter only; it is a direct threat to the free press and, by extension, the public’s right to know. Journalists must never be forced to choose between carrying out their professional duty and protecting their lives.”
He added that the reported reference to the death of another journalist made the allegation particularly alarming.
“Whether such words were intended as a threat or otherwise must be established through a proper investigation. What cannot be acceptable is for any journalist to be left living in fear because of his or her professional work, ” he said.
Mr. Mambu, when contacted by SLAJ Secretary General Edward Fara Marrah, denied the allegation. He stated that, after the live programme, he had only cautioned Mr. Dixon to be careful.
SLAJ is calling on the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant authorities to urgently investigate the complaint, establish the facts surrounding the reported incident and take appropriate action.
The Association is also calling on the leadership of the SLPP to publicly reaffirm its commitment to the safety of journalists and make clear that threats or intimidation against journalists are unacceptable, regardless of political affiliation or circumstance.
SLAJ is further calling on the authorities to assess the security concerns raised by Mr. Dixon and, where necessary, take appropriate measures to ensure his safety and that of his family while the matter is being investigated.
The Association maintains that freedom of expression and freedom of the press cannot be fully enjoyed where journalists operate under threats of violence or fear for their safety.
SLAJ will continue to monitor the matter closely and stands ready to provide appropriate support to the affected journalist within its mandate.
The Association also urges journalists to continue carrying out their professional responsibilities with courage, accuracy, fairness and adherence to professional ethics, while encouraging political actors and public officials to resolve disagreements with the media through lawful and democratic means.
SLAJ remains unequivocal: criticism of journalism may be legitimate; intimidation and threats against journalists are not.