Freetown, 9 November 2026 – Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) has strongly condemned a wave of online attacks, harassment and smear campaigns targeting female journalists Mabel Kabba and Kadija Bangura, co-owners of Liberty Online TV.
In a press release dated 8 November 2026, the organisation said it had observed with concern the increasing online attacks directed at the two journalists in recent days.
WIMSAL described the attacks as unacceptable and a direct threat not only to the safety and dignity of the journalists but also to press freedom, freedom of expression and the ability of women journalists to carry out their professional duties without intimidation.
“WIMSAL views these attacks as an attempt to discredit and undermine the professional credibility of the two journalists, potentially limiting their freedom to work independently and contribute to public discourse,” the statement said.
The group condemned the actions of individuals, bloggers and online platforms engaging in harassment, personal attacks and deliberate efforts to tarnish the journalists’ reputations.
WIMSAL noted that Kabba and Bangura have, over the years, demonstrated professionalism and commitment to journalism. Their work, the organisation stressed, deserves respect, and they must be allowed to carry out their responsibilities without fear of intimidation, threats or online abuse.
While acknowledging that journalists and media institutions are subject to public scrutiny and criticism, WIMSAL emphasised that such engagement must remain respectful and responsible. Disagreements with journalistic work or editorial decisions, it said, should never become an excuse for personal attacks, harassment or coordinated attempts to silence women journalists.
The organisation called on relevant authorities, law enforcement agencies and media regulatory bodies to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and protection of Mabel Kabba, Kadija Bangura and all journalists in Sierra Leone.
They also urged social media users, bloggers and members of the public to exercise responsibility in their online engagements and refrain from using digital platforms to harass, intimidate or threaten media practitioners.
WIMSAL reaffirmed its solidarity with the two journalists and its commitment to advocating for a safe, inclusive and enabling media environment where women journalists can work freely, independently and without fear.
“Women journalists must not be silenced, intimidated or pushed out of the media space. Their voices matter, their work matters, and their safety matters,” the statement concluded.
