Freetown, Sierra Leone, June 15, 2025– Alhaji Manika Kamara has been elected as the new President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), securing a decisive 308 votes against his opponent Mustapha Sesay, who garnered 153. The vote concluded what observers described as a peaceful, transparent, and democratic process, marking Sesay’s fifth unsuccessful bid for the presidency.
Kamara’s win signals a new chapter for SLAJ at a time when the country’s media landscape is undergoing significant changes driven by digital transformation and debates over press freedom.
In his victory speech delivered shortly after the results were announced, Kamara framed the moment not as a personal triumph but as a collective milestone for the association.
“This is not just my win. This is SLAJ’s victory — a victory for unity, for resilience, and for the enduring spirit of press freedom in Sierra Leone,” he said.
Kamara thanked all voters, including those who supported his opponent, and acknowledged Sesay’s role in enriching the campaign through “passion, vision, and courage.” He called for unity moving forward and encouraged both elected and non-elected members to contribute actively to the association’s growth.
“Now the real task begins,” Kamara noted. “Let us refocus on what truly matters: upholding the freedom of the press, deepening professionalism, improving the welfare of our members, and fiercely defending our sacred space as journalists.”
He also pledged to lead with transparency, humility, and “service above self,” vowing to honor the legacy of SLAJ’s founders while working to strengthen the institution for future generations.
Shortly after Kamara’s address, the Mustapha4SLAJPresident2025 campaign issued a formal concession statement. Signed by campaign coordinator James Tamba Lebbie, the statement acknowledged the election results and extended congratulations to Kamara.
“We accept the results with humility and respect for the will of the membership,” the statement read. “We trust that you will lead with integrity, fairness, and vision.”
Lebbie also praised the electoral process and called on all SLAJ members to support the new leadership regardless of their affiliations during the campaign.
“The future of journalism in our country depends on our unity, our vigilance, and our shared commitment to the principles of truth, accountability, and press freedom,” he stated.
The SLAJ election results have already drawn praise from civil society observers and media stakeholders, many of whom see the peaceful transfer of leadership as a positive reflection of the association’s democratic maturity. As Kamara prepares to take office, attention will now turn to how he navigates pressing challenges including journalist welfare, digital regulation, and safeguarding press freedoms in a rapidly evolving media environment.
