FREETOWN — 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 (SLPP).
SLAJ said in a press release dated Tuesday, 6 October 2026, that according to a formal complaint it received, the incident occurred following a television programme at Africa Young Voices (AYV) in Freetown on Sunday, 27 September 2026.
SLAJ said Dixon alleges that after the programme, Mambu approached him in the presence of 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.”
SLAJ said Jones has subsequently provided the association with a formal eyewitness account corroborating the allegation.
SLAJ described the reported statement as “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. SLAJ noted that criminal proceedings arising from that case subsequently ended in acquittals.
SLAJ said it 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.”
Kamara added that the reported reference to the death of another journalist made the allegation particularly alarming.
He said: “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.”
SLAJ said Mambu, when contacted by SLAJ Secretary-General Edward Fara Marrah, denied the allegation, stating that after the live programme he had only cautioned Dixon to be careful.
SLAJ said it 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.
SLAJ also said it is calling on the leadership of the SLPP to publicly reaffirm its commitment to the safety of journalists and to make clear that threats or intimidation against journalists are unacceptable, regardless of political affiliation or circumstance.
SLAJ further said it is calling on the authorities to assess the security concerns raised by Dixon and, where necessary, take appropriate measures to ensure his safety and that of his family while the matter is being investigated.
SLAJ maintained 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 said it will continue to monitor the matter closely and stands ready to provide appropriate support to the affected journalist within its mandate.
SLAJ also urged 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 said: “SLAJ remains unequivocal: criticism of journalism may be legitimate; intimidation and threats against journalists are not.”
