By Mackie M. Jalloh
The stage is set for what promises to be a defining moment in the history of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) as the 2025 National and Regional Elections approach. Scheduled for June 7, 2025, in Freetown, the electoral process has already gained momentum, with two heavyweight contenders—Mustapha M.K. Sesay and Alhaji Manika Kamara—officially throwing their hats into the ring for the coveted position of SLAJ President.
Both aspirants bring with them decades of experience, an unwavering commitment to journalism, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for SLAJ. The upcoming elections will not only determine the next face of the association but will also set the tone for the future of media freedom, professionalism, and institutional integrity in Sierra Leone.
The SLAJ Encyclopaedia: Mustapha M.K. Sesay’s Mission for Leadership
Widely regarded as “The SLAJ Encyclopaedia” for his vast knowledge and deep-rooted experience within the association, Mustapha M.K. Sesay is a name synonymous with service, dedication, and professionalism. With over 20 years of active participation in SLAJ, Sesay has played a pivotal role in shaping the association’s direction and advocating for media freedom.
His impressive credentials include serving as SLAJ’s National Secretary-General, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership in strengthening the association’s administrative structures. Additionally, his tenure as a Commissioner at the Independent Media Commission (IMC) saw him champion key policies that have influenced media regulation in Sierra Leone.
For Sesay, the 2025 elections represent an opportunity to take SLAJ to new heights by building on the achievements of past administrations while addressing the evolving challenges facing journalists. His campaign focuses on solidarity, transparency, independence, accountability, and press freedom—all critical pillars in ensuring a vibrant and empowered media landscape.
His supporters believe that his institutional knowledge, coupled with his vast experience in media governance, makes him the ideal candidate to steer SLAJ forward. His manifesto, expected to be launched soon, is anticipated to outline robust strategies to protect press freedom, strengthen the association’s financial base, and provide professional training opportunities for journalists.
The People’s Candidate: Alhaji Manika Kamara’s Vision for SLAJ
On the other side of the ring stands Alhaji Manika Kamara, a journalist whose rise through the ranks of SLAJ has been nothing short of remarkable. Having served as Assistant Secretary, Acting Secretary-General, and National Secretary-General, Kamara has been a formidable force in SLAJ’s leadership structure for the past six years.
Currently the News Editor at AWOKO Newspaper, Kamara is a seasoned journalist with 15 years of uninterrupted media practice. His journey in journalism is marked by a series of awards—both local and international—that highlight his dedication to investigative reporting, editorial excellence, and ethical journalism.
Kamara’s campaign is built on continuity, transformation, and innovation. His vision for SLAJ is to sustain the progress made under previous administrations while introducing new policies that will empower journalists, promote media sustainability, and enhance press freedom in Sierra Leone.
One of his key promises is to decentralize SLAJ’s activities and ensure that journalists across the country have equal access to training, funding, and professional development opportunities. Kamara is also committed to improving working conditions for journalists, advocating for fair wages, and securing better legal protections for media practitioners.
His supporters argue that his hands-on experience within SLAJ’s leadership structure and his active role in media operations make him the right candidate to push the association forward.
With these two seasoned professionals in the race, the 2025 SLAJ elections are shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history. The election is not just about choosing a new president—it is about selecting a leader who will champion press freedom, advocate for media rights, and ensure that SLAJ remains a formidable institution in Sierra Leone.
The coming weeks will see both candidates engage in vigorous campaigns, as they seek to win over journalists, media practitioners, and stakeholders. Debates, policy discussions, and manifestos will define the electioneering period, with each aspirant making a case for why they are the best choice for SLAJ’s future.
As SLAJ members prepare to cast their votes, the decision will not be an easy one. Will they choose Sesay, the institutional expert with decades of experience in media governance, or Kamara, the dynamic and transformational leader with a vision for innovation?
June 7, 2025, will be a defining moment for SLAJ, and whatever the outcome, one thing is certain—the future of Sierra Leonean journalism will be shaped by the leader who emerges victorious.
