The UK Minister for Africa has congratulated the Minister of Information and Communication of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, following the vote by parliament in Freetown to repeal Part V of the Public Order Act and the passing of the new Independent Media Commission Act.
James Duddridge in a letter sent through the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development, said the development represented an excellent achievement for the people and described it as ‘’an important step forward for media freedom and human rights in Sierra Leone’’ which he said is ‘’the lifeblood of a flourishing democracy, but also crucial in the era of COVID-19’’.
Further highlighting the pivotal role of the Information Minister, Duddridge said: “Minister Swaray showed true leadership and determination in navigating the intricacies of this long but worthwhile process, for which he should be warmly congratulated’’.
He expressed delight that British officials were able to assist the process ‘’by providing technical and sharing expertise with a broad range of stakeholders to support the Government of Sierra Leone to deliver this key pledge’’.
The UK Minister acknowledged his government’s intention to continue to work with the Ministry of Information and Communication and the government of Sierra Leone on media freedom, disclosing a ‘’range of technical support planned for the coming months’’, that he said would focus on ‘’increasing crucial access to trusted , inclusive and independent media in Sierra Leone’’.
The Sierra Leone Parliament on Thursday 23 July this year repealed the public order Act of 1965, seen as outdated and against press freedom.
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