High-stakes contest for the presidency of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has officially commenced, as two seasoned media professionals—Alhaji Manika Kamara and Mustapha M.K. Sesay, have declared their candidacies ahead of the association’s national elections slated for 7th June 2025, in Freetown.
The Electoral Commission of SLAJ formally announced the electoral calendar on 26th February, setting what is anticipated to be a defining leadership contest in motion, bringing together two formidable contenders with extensive backgrounds in journalism, media governance, and institutional development.
Mustapha M.K. Sesay: A Bid to “Redefine a New Era”
Journalist and former SLAJ Secretary General, Mustapha M.K. Sesay, is no stranger to the association’s presidential race. Widely known as the “SLAJ Encyclopaedia” for his deep institutional knowledge and long-standing service, Sesay is making his fourth bid for the top office, drawing on a track record of consistent advocacy for press freedom and professional standards.
Sesay most recently served as a Commissioner on the Board of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), representing SLAJ and contributing his expertise in print media. His campaign team describes him as a diligent leader, ready to confront threats to press independence and media integrity.
“We count on your support to strengthen our partnerships and add value to SLAJ and our noble profession by building on the achievements of the past regimes and the outgoing regime, neutralising the challenges, and combatting the threats to our independence, our integrity, press freedom and freedom of expression, said Team Mustapha in a statement. The team is expected to formally unveil his manifesto in the coming weeks.
Alhaji Manika Kamara: Continuity with a Reform Agenda
Challenging Sesay is Alhaji Manika Kamara, the current National Secretary General of SLAJ and News Editor at Awoko Newspaper. Kamara officially declared his candidacy on 31st March 2025, positioning himself as a steady hand for the association’s future.
With over 15 years of uninterrupted journalism experience, Kamara has steadily risen through the ranks of SLAJ, having previously served as Assistant Secretary and Acting Secretary General. His candidacy highlights a commitment to continuity, institutional reform, and professional ethics.
“I remain committed to upholding the principles of press freedom, professional excellence, and institutional integrity,” Kamara stated in his declaration. Widely respected in the local and international media community, Kamara has also received several journalism awards recognizing his contributions to the profession.
A Defining Moment for Sierra Leone’s Media Community
This year’s SLAJ elections come at a pivotal time for journalism in Sierra Leone. As the industry grapples with digital disruption, threats to media independence, and the evolving role of journalists in society, the association’s next president will be tasked with guiding SLAJ through a period of transformation.
Members of the association are expected to weigh both candidates’ records and visions carefully. While Kamara represents continuity from the current administration, Sesay brings a long history of advocacy and reformist zeal.
As campaigning intensifies in the weeks ahead, SLAJ members across the country will be paying close attention, knowing that the outcome will shape the direction of journalism and media advocacy in Sierra Leone for years to come.
