On 28 October 2026, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) expressed grave concern over remarks allegedly made by Moses Sellu Mambu, National Publicity Secretary of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), against AYV journalist Victor Jones. The concerns arose from a complaint submitted by Jones on 21 October regarding comments reportedly made by Mambu during Liberty TV Online’s Breakfast Show on 19 October.
According to the complaint, Mambu accused Jones of pursuing an anti-SLPP agenda and alleged that he and fellow journalist Thomas Josephus Dixon had collaborated to submit a false report against him to SLAJ. Following inquiries by SLAJ, Mambu clarified that his reference to an agenda against the SLPP was directed at certain media institutions rather than Jones personally. However, he maintained his claim that Jones and Dixon had filed a false report against him.
After reviewing available evidence, including footage of the programme, SLAJ concluded that the statements could damage Jones’s professional reputation and expose him to unnecessary hostility. The Association stated that its records contained no evidence supporting Mambu’s allegation and therefore rejected the claim as unfounded. SLAJ urged greater responsibility in public comments involving journalists and media practitioners.
The Association further warned that portraying a named journalist as hostile to the ruling party in Sierra Leone’s polarized political environment could increase the risk of intimidation, harassment, and threats to journalists’ safety. It called on political leaders and party officials to exercise restraint and avoid statements that could incite hostility against members of the media.
The controversy is linked to a 27 September 2026 AYV television programme during which Dixon alleged that Mambu threatened him, reportedly referencing the killing of his friend, Samura, stating: “We will hit you hard. This is the same reason your friend Samura was killed the last time.”
This development raises concerns about the treatment of journalists and witnesses in Sierra Leone in matters involving alleged threats against media practitioners and the potential implications for press freedom and journalist safety.