FREETOWN – The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has strongly condemned the alleged physical assault and seizure of professional equipment of a journalist in Makeni City, Bombali District, and called for an immediate investigation.
In a Press Release dated 12th October 2026 and signed by its National Secretary General Edward Fara Marrah, SLAJ said it is “gravely concerned” about the attack on Mr. Ishmail Stanley Bangura, Production Manager of Hope FM 93.3 in Makeni.
According to SLAJ, Mr. Bangura was allegedly attacked on Friday, 2nd October 2026 at about 2:30 p.m. at the All Peoples Congress (APC) District Office on Field Road, Makeni City, by men perceived to be party marshals associated with Mr. Emmanuel Alie Kamara alias Alie General, APC Chairman for Bombali District.
SLAJ said Mr. Bangura had gone to the APC office after receiving information about a fracas between rival factions within the APC in Bombali. The party has been experiencing internal tensions in recent months as camps align ahead of the party’s national delegates conference and the 2028 general elections.
On arrival, the journalist reportedly observed what appeared to be vandalism of the party premises and, in line with his professional duties, started to document the scene using a phone belonging to Hope FM 93.3.
He was allegedly confronted by a group of men who subjected him to physical assault with punches, despite clearly identifying himself as a journalist on duty.
During the attack, two phones – an iPhone 12 Pro Max and an iPhone XR – were forcibly taken from him. One is the property of Hope FM 93.3 being used for legitimate news-gathering, while the second is his personal phone. As of the time of SLAJ’s release, both phones remain in the custody of the alleged perpetrators.
Following the incident, Mr. Bangura was rescued and taken to the Rogbaneh Police Division in Makeni, where a formal complaint was lodged, a medical form was issued, and his statement was recorded by the Investigating Officer.
SLAJ: “An Attack On One Journalist Is An Attack On All”
While SLAJ noted and appreciated the initial steps taken by the police, it said it is deeply concerned that a journalist was physically assaulted while performing legitimate duties and that equipment belonging to a licensed radio station was seized and continues to be withheld.
“This attack sends a chilling signal to journalists in the North and across the country, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of 2028,” SLAJ stated.
SLAJ also called on the leadership of the APC to publicly dissociate itself from the act of lawlessness, guarantee the safety of Mr. Bangura and all journalists across the country, and call on its supporters and marshals to respect the work of journalists.
“Political parties must understand that journalists are not enemies; they are partners in democracy,” SLAJ warned.
The Association revealed that in an interview with SLAJ Secretary General, Mr. Emmanuel Alie Kamara alias Alie General denied knowing the attackers to be his supporters but stated that he could not rule out that they were APC supporters.
SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara maintained that press freedom and journalist safety are non-negotiable.
“No journalist should be assaulted, threatened, or obstructed for covering political events, regardless of faction or party. An attack on one journalist is an attack on all journalists. The seizure of a media house’s equipment is an attack on press freedom,” President Kamara said.
Context
Hope FM 93.3 is one of the leading private radio stations in Makeni, the political stronghold of the APC. Makeni and Bombali have seen several factional clashes within the APC in the last year between supporters aligned with different flag-bearer aspirants ahead of 2028.
Sierra Leone is ranked relatively high for press freedom in Africa, but SLAJ has repeatedly warned against rising intolerance against journalists, especially during political coverage. The 2023 Media Reform Laws under President Julius Maada Bio repealed criminal libel, but cases of assault and intimidation of journalists still occur.
SLAJ said it is closely monitoring the case and will not relent until the phones are returned, the perpetrators are held accountable, and a clear message is sent that Sierra Leone is not a place where journalists can be beaten for doing their jobs.
The Police in Makeni are yet to give an official update on arrests.
