The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has condemned allegations made by the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) National Publicity Secretary, Moses Sellu Mambu, against AYV Media Empire journalist Victor Jones, describing them as potentially damaging to the journalist’s professional reputation and personal safety.
In a press statement dated Wednesday, 28 October 2026, SLAJ said it received a formal complaint from Jones on 21 October regarding remarks allegedly made by Mambu during the Liberty TV Online Breakfast Show on 19 October, hosted by Khadija Bangura and Mabel Kabba.
According to SLAJ, Mambu reportedly accused Jones of being among journalists pursuing an agenda against the SLPP. He also alleged that Jones and fellow journalist Thomas Dixon had conspired to submit a false report against him to the Association.
SLAJ said its Secretary General, Edward Farah Marah, contacted Mambu for his response. Mambu reportedly clarified that his remarks about an agenda against the SLPP referred to media houses rather than Jones personally. However, he maintained his allegation that Jones and Dixon had conspired to submit a false report against him.
After reviewing the available evidence, including a video recording of the broadcast, SLAJ said it was concerned that the allegations could undermine Jones’s professional standing and expose him to unwarranted hostility.
The Association further stated that its records contained no evidence of a false report submitted by Jones and Dixon against Mambu. It therefore rejected the allegation as unsupported by its records and called for responsible public communication on matters involving journalists and their professional work.
SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara emphasised that journalists have a constitutional responsibility to inform the public, scrutinise those in authority and hold power to account.
He cautioned against portraying journalists’ professional work as an agenda against a political party simply because their reporting may be critical or uncomfortable.
Kamara added that concerns about journalists’ conduct should be raised through appropriate channels and addressed on the basis of evidence.
The Association also warned that publicly associating a named journalist with hostility towards a ruling political party could have serious consequences in an already polarised environment, potentially exposing media practitioners to intimidation, harassment and threats to their safety.
SLAJ called on Mambu to exercise greater responsibility in his public pronouncements and respect the independence and professional role of journalists.
It also urged political actors to address grievances involving the media through constructive engagement and established complaint mechanisms.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical journalism, defending press freedom and protecting the rights, safety and professional dignity of journalists across Sierra Leone. It said it would continue engaging political leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen mutual understanding and ensure journalists can perform their duties without fear or favour.
