SLAJ Rejects Unfounded Allegation Against Journalist
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has firmly dismissed allegations made by Moses Sellu Mambu, National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), targeting journalist Victor Jones.
In an official statement released Wednesday, SLAJ confirmed there is no evidence supporting Mambu's claims that Jones and fellow journalist Thomas Dixon conspired to lodge a false report against him. The association cautioned that publicly accusing reporters of political bias threatens their safety and professional integrity.
The dispute arose after Jones filed a formal complaint regarding comments made by Mambu on Liberty TV Online's Breakfast Show on October 19. During the program, Mambu alleged that Jones was pursuing an anti-SLPP agenda.
When questioned by SLAJ Secretary General Edward Farah Marah, Mambu clarified that his reference to political hostility applied to media organizations generally rather than Jones individually, though he maintained his conspiracy claim.
Following a review of the broadcast footage, SLAJ concluded that the unsubstantiated claims endanger the safety of journalists in an increasingly polarized political environment.
"Journalists have a constitutional responsibility to inform the public, scrutinise those in authority, and hold power to account," said SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara, emphasizing that critical reporting should not be misconstrued as political hostility.
SLAJ urged political actors to address grievances through established formal channels rather than public attacks, reaffirming its commitment to defending press freedom and protecting journalists across Sierra Leone.
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