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 in Freetown.

SLAJ said the reported incident occurred after a television programme at Africa Young Voices (AYV) on 27 September 2026. Moses Sellu Mambu, the National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), has denied making the alleged threat.

Dixon, who is Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors and Managing Editor of the New Age Newspaper, submitted a formal complaint to SLAJ. The association said he later provided a formal eyewitness account that corroborated the allegation.

According to the complaint received by SLAJ, Mambu allegedly told Dixon: “We will hit you hard! This is the same reason for which your friend Samura was killed the last time.”

The complaint identified Victor Jones, the programme presenter, and Abu Bakarr Kamara, the videographer, as being present during the alleged exchange.

SLAJ calls for official investigation

SLAJ described the alleged words as extremely grave and disturbing because they reportedly referred to journalist Ibrahim Samura, who the association said died after suffering a physical assault while covering the 2018 elections. Criminal proceedings arising from that case ended in acquittals, according to SLAJ.

Edward Fara Marrah, SLAJ’s National Secretary General, contacted Mambu about the complaint. SLAJ said Mambu denied making the alleged threat and maintained that he had only cautioned Dixon to be careful after the live programme.

SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara said the allegation should not be treated solely as a private dispute.

“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. Journalists must never be forced to choose between carrying out their professional duty and protecting their lives,” Kamara said.

He added: “Whether such words were intended as a threat or otherwise must be established through a proper investigation. What cannot be acceptable is for any journalist to be left living in fear because of his or her professional work.”

SLAJ urged the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant authorities to investigate the complaint and take appropriate action. It also called on SLPP leaders to publicly reaffirm their commitment to journalists’ safety and reject threats or intimidation directed at the media.

Security concerns and media freedom

The association said authorities should assess Dixon’s security concerns and, where necessary, take steps to protect him and his family while the matter is investigated. SLAJ also said it would continue monitoring the case and provide support to Dixon within its mandate.

Reaffirming its position on press freedom, SLAJ said: “Criticism of journalism may be legitimate; intimidation and threats against journalists are not.”

The association urged journalists to continue their work with courage, accuracy, fairness and respect for professional ethics. It also encouraged political actors and public officials to settle disagreements with the media through lawful and democratic means.