The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has expressed deep concern over an alleged threat made against Thomas Josephus Dixon, Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors and Managing Editor of the New Age Newspaper. According to SLAJ, the threat was 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.
The alleged threat was made in the presence of the programme presenter, Victor Jones, and videographer, Abu Bakarr Kamara. Mr. Dixon claims that Mr. Mambu said, “We will hit you hard! This is the same reason for which your friend Samura was killed the last time.” This reference to the death of journalist Ibrahim Samura, who died following a physical assault sustained while covering the 2018 elections, has raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists in Sierra Leone.
SLAJ considers the allegation sufficiently serious to warrant an immediate, impartial and credible investigation by the appropriate authorities. The Association believes that 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.
SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara emphasized that the reported reference to the death of another journalist made the allegation particularly alarming. He called 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. Mr. Kamara also urged the leadership of the SLPP to publicly reaffirm its commitment to the safety of journalists.
Mr. Mambu has denied the allegation, stating that he had only cautioned Mr. Dixon to be careful after the live programme. However, SLAJ has obtained a formal eyewitness account from Mr. Jones that corroborated the allegation. The Association is 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 incident has raised concerns about the safety of journalists in Sierra Leone, particularly in the context of the 2018 elections, which saw the killing of journalist Ibrahim Samura. SLAJ 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. The Association will continue to monitor the matter closely and stands ready to provide appropriate support to the affected journalist within its mandate.
SLAJ has 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. The Association remains unequivocal: criticism of journalism may be legitimate; intimidation and threats against journalists are not.
Key points
- - The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has condemned an alleged threat made against Thomas Josephus Dixon, Managing Editor of the New Age Newspaper, by Moses Sellu Mambu, National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLP). - The alleged threat was made in the presence of the programme presenter, Victor Jones, and videographer, Abu Bakarr Kamara, following a television programme at Africa Young Voices (AYV) in Freetown on Sunday, 27 September 2026. - SLAJ is calling on the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant authorities to urgently investigate the complaint and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of journalists in Sierra Leone.
