By Mahamood Fofana
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has formally petitioned the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, urging the inclusion of a standalone chapter on “Freedom of Speech” in the Constitution of Sierra Leone.
In its open advocacy letter, SLAJ argued that a constitution that explicitly guarantees freedom of speech represents a binding commitment to the people rather than an instrument of state control. The association emphasized that such a provision would clearly define and safeguard freedom of expression and press freedom for all citizens.
The call follows the tabling of the Sierra Leone Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2025 in Parliament in January 2026 by the Attorney General. The proposed reforms seek to amend the 1991 Constitution in line with recommendations from the Tripartite Committee, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report, and the Justice Edmund Cowan Constitutional Review Committee.
SLAJ maintained that its advocacy is grounded in democratic principles that transcend periodic elections. According to the association, enshrining freedom of speech in a dedicated constitutional chapter would strengthen democratic governance and reinforce recent media reforms, including the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law under the administration of President Julius Maada Bio.
The association noted that embedding freedom of speech as a constitutional chapter would reflect institutional maturity and provide a durable legal foundation for future administrations to enforce and protect civil liberties through appropriate legislative and administrative measures.
SLAJ further stressed that the campaign is not limited to journalists but extends to all citizens — including market women, civil society actors, students, bloggers, politicians, and musicians. It described freedom of speech as a universal right that enables citizens to criticize public policy without fear, expose corruption, engage in open national debate, and participate meaningfully in governance.
The association also recalled its earlier advocacy during the Justice Edmund Cowan-led Constitutional Review under the administration of former President Ernest Bai Koroma. Although its proposal did not make it into the final recommendations at the time, SLAJ stated that the setback has only strengthened its resolve.
Describing the initiative as a national cause rather than a sectoral agenda, SLAJ expressed optimism that securing constitutional protection for freedom of speech would foster broad national ownership and deepen democratic accountability in Sierra Leone.
