Journalists Recognised for Investigative Excellence in Mining and Gender-Based Violence

Two Sierra Leonean journalists have been honoured at the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and Independent Media Commission (IMC) Media Awards for excellence in investigative and gender reporting under a GIZ-supported investigative fellowship.

The awards recognised impactful journalism that exposed illegal mining activities and gender-based violence in mining communities, drawing national attention to environmental and social challenges in Sierra Leone.

Kabia of Radio Democracy 98.1 won Best Investigative Story for her report titled “Illegal mining resurfaces at Lake Sonfon despite government shutdown.” Working alongside Ibrahim John Sesay, she uncovered renewed illegal mining activities at Lake Sonfon in northern Sierra Leone despite earlier government intervention to stop such operations.

The report highlighted ongoing enforcement challenges in protecting environmentally sensitive areas.

Mabinty Kamara, editor of Politico Newspaper, received the Best Gender Story award for her investigation into gender-based violence in mining communities. Her report focused on women miners in Jaiama Nimikoro in eastern Sierra Leone, documenting cases of sexual and gender-based violence affecting women in the sector.

Her work underscored the vulnerability of women in extractive industries and called for stronger protection measures and enforcement of gender-sensitive policies.

The award-winning reports have contributed to greater public awareness of illegal mining and the risks faced by women in mining communities, while organisers praised the journalists for their commitment to investigative journalism and public accountability.