By Aminata Sameena Sesay
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the National Security Sector (NSS) have made a commitment to enhance the safety and protection of Journalists and the maintenance of Law and Order in Sierra Leone.
The resolve was made to mark International Day to end Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on the 2nd November, 2022.
A Press Statement issued by both SLAJ and NSS, stressed their collective commitment to work together, and with other stakeholders, to ensure the safety and security of journalists in the country.
It went on to say that, the 2nd November, 2022 marked exactly one year since the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SLAJ and the security sector institutions to work together in upholding the security of journalists. It further said that, in the spirit of working together in the interest of the general good, the parties committed to the values of Non-partisanship, Neutrality, Independence, Professionalism, and Objectivity in the discharge of their duties.
The press statement highlighted that, under the platform of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), the parties have developed a framework and a national policy on the safety and security of journalists in Sierra Leone.
The statement added that, a National Coordination Committee on the Safety and Security of Journalists in the country has been established, that comprises Media Stakeholders, the Security Sector, the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, Civil Society, Traditional and Religious leaders.
It further stated that, they have planned a joint training for personnel of both the media and the security sector ahead of the public elections to promote understanding of the role of the media and the role of the security sector. The training would also aim at fostering partnership, cooperation, and support for each other to ensure free, fair, transparent, credible, and violence- free elections.
President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla noted that in spite of the positive developments in media-security relations, they still need to manage expectations as the engagement does suggest the end to clashes between journalists and security sector personnel.
“Rather, there is now a concerted effort to create platforms to prevent and resolve such issues amicably,” he said.
The National Security Coordinator, Office of National Security (ONS), Abdulai Caulker, said that the general public expects the media and security sector to play a complimentary role in ensuring tranquility in the society.
“We hope this cooperation will continue and be strengthened in the interest of public good,” said Caulker.
Their press statement ended with both parties assuring the public that they will continue to collaborate and support each other in the discharge of their national duties within the confines of professionalism.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (04/11/22)
