The Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) has issued a stern condemnation of the recent dismissal of journalist Umu Thoronka from the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) in Makeni.
The organization has also expressed deep concern over the threats she has received since her termination.
In a press release issued on Monday, WIMSAL revealed that Ms. Thoronka, who has nearly ten years of dedicated service as a journalist, was abruptly dismissed from her position on July 26, 2024. The dismissal came after she posted a video on TikTok that highlighted an incident during the President’s town hall meeting. The video showed a young woman surrounded by people as she attempted to ask a question to the President.
WIMSAL criticized the manner of Ms. Thoronka’s dismissal, stating, “Her termination was executed without prior warning, discussion, or any formal explanation.”
The organization argued that the dismissal violated the Employment Act of 2023, which mandates a fair and transparent process for terminating employment.
WIMSAL also described the incident as an “attack on freedom of speech and journalistic integrity.”
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Ms. Thoronka has reportedly been subjected to numerous threats via social media and phone calls, leading her to fear for her safety.
“Ms. Thoronka has been forced into hiding, unable to live freely and safely in her own country,” WIMSAL noted with concern.
WIMSAL called the harassment and threats against Ms. Thoronka “totally unacceptable” and urged the government, particularly the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, to investigate the circumstances surrounding her dismissal.
The organization also demanded immediate action to address the threats against her life.
“This is not just a fight for one woman, but a fight for all women in the media who continue to face discrimination, harassment, and threats in the course of their professional duties,” WIMSAL emphasized in their statement.
