SLAJ Advocates for Enhanced Constitutional Protections for Press Freedom

SLAJ Advocates for Enhanced Constitutional Protections for Press Freedom

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), in partnership with media and civil society stakeholders, has intensified its call for robust constitutional safeguards regarding press freedom and freedom of expression. This follows a high-level consultative session addressing the proposal for a standalone constitutional chapter dedicated to media rights.

Supported by the European Union and BBC Media Action, the consultation focused on a proposal to introduce "Chapter 12" into the Constitution of Sierra Leone. This dedicated section aims to explicitly guarantee press freedom and freedom of expression while establishing enforceable legal protections for both journalists and the general public.

SLAJ originally submitted this proposal to the Justice Cowan Constitutional Review Committee in 2016; however, it was excluded from the subsequent Government White Paper. The association has since maintained persistent advocacy for clearer, more comprehensive constitutional provisions to safeguard media practices.

During the proceedings, SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara noted that while Section 11 of the 1991 Constitution recognizes freedom of expression, current provisions are overly broad and lack sufficient enforceability. He argued that the absence of specific legal guarantees leaves journalists and citizens vulnerable to legal and professional uncertainty.

"Sierra Leoneans deserve enforceable constitutional protections that ensure journalistic safety and the right of every citizen to express their views without fear of reprisal," President Kamara stated. "Press freedom must move beyond principle to practical protection through justiciable laws. Our objective is a standalone chapter that secures these fundamental rights for future generations."

He further observed that the current lack of detailed safeguards has contributed to an environment where some citizens hesitate to share independent perspectives on national issues due to potential political consequences.

Amir Musa Mewa, a senior lecturer at the Sierra Leone Law School and Njala University, provided a legal analysis of the proposed Chapter 12. He highlighted existing framework gaps and offered comparative insights from jurisdictions like Kenya, where detailed and enforceable fundamental rights are firmly embedded in law.

Furthering the technical discussion, Paul Kamara presented thirteen guiding principles for the proposed chapter. These recommendations served as the primary basis for deliberation among the session participants.

The meeting saw diverse participation from across the governance and media landscapes. Estina Taylor Tucker, President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone, emphasized the need for inclusive advocacy, while representatives from legal research firms and various civil society organizations reinforced the multi-stakeholder nature of the reform effort.

Abdul M. Fatoma of the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International also contributed, stressing the importance of aligning media freedom with broader human rights protections.

This consultative engagement is part of a larger national initiative to strengthen democratic governance by ensuring that both media practitioners and the public are protected by a clear and enforceable legal framework.

Stakeholders concluded that formalizing press freedom within a dedicated constitutional chapter would enhance institutional accountability and signal Sierra Leone’s firm commitment to democratic principles.

As advocacy continues, SLAJ and its partners remain optimistic that continued dialogue with policymakers will result in the inclusion of these vital protections in future constitutional reforms.