Moses Sellu Mambu appeared on the Liberty TV Online Breakfast Show on 19 October 2026, where he was interviewed by hosts Khadija Bangura and Mabel Kabba. On October 19, 2026, Moses Sellu Mambu appeared on Liberty TV’s Online Breakfast Show, hosted by Khadija Bangura and Mabel Kabba. The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) subsequently issued a press release on 28 October 2026 to address allegations raised following that appearance. SLAJ issued a press release on 28 October 2026, addressing the allegations. In the statement, SLAJ clarified that its official records contain no evidence of a false report submitted by Victor Jones and Thomas Dixon against Moses Sellu Mambu. SLAJ stated its records contain no evidence of a false report submitted by Victor Jones and Thomas Dixon against Moses Sellu Mambu. The organization issued this response to reject conspiracy allegations directed at journalists in Sierra Leone.
Origins of the Dispute
Victor Jones filed a formal complaint with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) on 21 October 2026. Victor Jones filed a formal complaint with SLAJ on October 21, 2026, regarding remarks made by Moses Sellu Mambu during the broadcast. This submission concerned remarks made by Moses Sellu Mambu during his appearance on the Liberty TV Online Breakfast Show. The organization received the grievance as part of its ongoing review of professional conduct following the broadcast.
Alhaji Manika Kamara, SLAJ President, addressed the importance of these standards in a statement regarding the association's role in the media sector. "Journalists have a constitutional responsibility to inform the public, scrutinize those in authority and hold power to account," Alhaji Manika Kamara said.
Media stakeholders gathered on 23 October 2026 to address broader regulatory frameworks. Media stakeholders validated a proposed standalone constitutional chapter on press freedom on October 23, 2026. During this session, the participants validated a proposed standalone constitutional chapter on press freedom. This addition to the legal code aims to clarify the protections and duties of media practitioners across Sierra Leone. The validation process involved representatives from various outlets and professional bodies who reviewed the draft to ensure the language aligns with existing standards for the industry.
The review of the constitutional chapter by stakeholders served to formalize the expectations placed upon the press. By establishing a standalone chapter, the participants sought to create a definitive reference point for the rights of journalists. This process included a detailed examination of the duties inherent in the profession. The representatives present at the October 23, 2026, gathering engaged in a line-by-line review of the proposed text. This ensured that the document reflected the consensus of the professional bodies involved. The resulting draft serves as a guide for media practitioners operating within Sierra Leone, emphasizing both the necessity of journalistic freedom and the requirement for professional conduct. The association remains committed to maintaining these standards as it continues its oversight of the media sector. Following the conclusion of the validation session, the focus shifted to the integration of these standards into the broader legal framework. The association continues to monitor developments that affect the professional environment for journalists across the country, ensuring that all actions taken remain consistent with the established regulatory guidelines and the constitutional responsibilities identified by the stakeholders.
