The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has called for an immediate, impartial and credible investigation into an alleged threat against journalist Thomas Josephus Dixon.

Dixon, who chairs the Guild of Newspaper Editors and serves as managing editor of the New Age Newspaper, reported the alleged incident after a television programme at Africa Young Voices in Freetown on 27 September 2026.

According to SLAJ, Dixon submitted a formal complaint alleging that Moses Sellu Mambu, the National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party, approached him after the programme and threatened him in the presence of programme presenter Victor Jones and videographer Abu Bakarr Kamara.

SLAJ said Dixon later provided a formal eyewitness account that corroborated his complaint. The association attributed the following statement to Dixon’s account of the encounter: “We will hit you hard! This is the same reason for which your friend Samura was killed the last time.”

The alleged reference was to journalist Ibrahim Samura, who died after sustaining a physical assault while covering the 2018 elections. SLAJ said criminal proceedings arising from the case later ended in acquittals.

Mambu denies allegation

Mambu denied making the alleged threat when contacted by SLAJ Secretary General Edward Fara Marrah, according to the association. He said he had only cautioned Dixon to be careful after the live programme.

The conflicting accounts have not been resolved. SLAJ said the circumstances must be established through a proper investigation and urged the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant authorities to act urgently.

SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara said threats against journalists had implications beyond the individuals involved because they could affect press freedom and the public’s right to information.

“A threat against a journalist should not be seen as a personal matter only; it is a direct threat to the free press and, by extension, the public’s right to know,” Kamara said. “Journalists must never be forced to choose between carrying out their professional duty and protecting their lives.”

Kamara also said the reference to another journalist’s death made the allegation particularly alarming, while stressing that an investigation should determine whether the words were intended as a threat.

“What cannot be acceptable is for any journalist to be left living in fear because of his or her professional work,” he said.

Calls for protection and political responsibility

SLAJ called on the leadership of the SLPP to publicly reaffirm its commitment to journalists’ safety. It also urged authorities to provide appropriate security measures for Dixon and his family where necessary.

The association said it would continue monitoring the matter and provide Dixon with appropriate support within its mandate. It further encouraged political actors and public officials to address disagreements with the media through lawful and democratic means.

“Criticism of journalism may be legitimate; intimidation and threats against journalists are not,” SLAJ said.

The association also urged journalists to continue their work with courage, accuracy, fairness and respect for professional ethics. No outcome from an investigation into the allegation was reported in the SLAJ statement.