Freetown, 15 May 2025 — The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has provided an official update on its involvement in the recent industrial action at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), which began on 8 May 2025. Although widely described as a protest, SLBC staff insisted their action was merely a “consultation.”
SLAJ’s intervention was rooted in its dual responsibility to uphold media freedom and professionalism while safeguarding the welfare of journalists and media workers. Upon learning of the situation, SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla and his team immediately visited SLBC headquarters to engage directly with staff.
During this visit, President Nasralla acknowledged the workers’ right to express grievances but emphasized the importance of conducting such actions lawfully, peacefully, and without disorder. He encouraged the staff to formalize their representation by establishing an internal association or committee capable of engaging with SLBC management and other stakeholders constructively.
SLAJ also strongly condemned the alleged physical assault on journalist Prince Kamara of Open Space Newspaper, who was reportedly attacked by some SLBC staff while attempting to interview the Deputy Director General. The protestors accused Kamara of biased reporting. SLAJ reaffirmed that no grievance justifies violence against any journalist and advised Kamara to report the incident to the police. The association subsequently initiated a professional mediation involving Kamara, his employer, and SLBC’s leadership, including the Director General, who expressed concern for Kamara’s well-being.
On 9 May, SLAJ participated in a dialogue organized by the Ministry of Labour. Led by Minister Mohamed Rahman Swarray and Commissioner of Labour Sinneh Bockarie, the meeting brought together SLAJ representatives and SLBC staff, with Ibrahim Samura acting as the staff’s de facto leader. The Minister took the opportunity to explain provisions of the country’s labour laws concerning strike actions.
Following the discussion, several commitments were made: the Ministry pledged to publish a report on workplace safety at SLBC, review welfare concerns in line with the Labour Act, investigate the status of unpaid volunteers and acting staff, and recommend actions for overdue payments. SLAJ committed to monitoring implementation and collaborating with the Ministry on a broader audit of media worker welfare nationwide.
Three days later, on 12 May, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, visited the SLBC compound and met with the staff in the presence of SLAJ officials. Minister Bah identified a leadership conflict between SLBC’s Board of Trustees and Management as the root of the unrest. He clarified the respective roles of these entities under the SLBC Act and acknowledged concerns about the Act granting excessive authority to the Board. He promised to push for a legislative review.
During the visit, staff raised critical issues, including poor salary structures, unfair pay disparities, inadequate working conditions and equipment, and a lack of protective gear for field assignments. They also cited alleged undue pressure from the Board on SLBC Management. In response, Minister Bah instructed SLBC Management to conduct a comprehensive staff audit, with outcomes expected by the end of May. He also committed to mediating the internal power struggle, reviewing the SLBC Act with all relevant stakeholders, and ensuring the safe return of journalist Joseph Kowah, who had reportedly gone into hiding.
Kowah became a focal point of concern after a video surfaced showing him threatening to set the SLBC building on fire if staff demands were not met. Authorities considered the threat a national security issue, prompting action from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). SLAJ President Nasralla contacted CID Director Alpha Jalloh to request a pause in enforcement while SLAJ handled the matter. The CID honored this request, reflecting the mutual respect between both institutions.
On 14 May, SLAJ and the SLBC Director General escorted Kowah to CID headquarters, where he was cautioned and released under supervision. Kowah is now required to report weekly to the CID while the situation remains under review. CID officials also advised him on the legal and professional limits of his role as a journalist.
SLAJ extended its appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the peaceful management of the crisis, including the Ministers of Labour and Information, the CID, the Sierra Leone Police, and SLBC Management and staff. The Association also reaffirmed its commitment to working with its representative on the SLBC Board to ensure more proactive attention to staff welfare issues.
In closing, SLAJ reiterated its dedication to protecting journalists, promoting responsible and lawful journalism, and supporting the growth of a free, independent, and professional media sector that contributes to national development.
