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IGP assures safety for Journalist

The Inspector General of the SLP, Fayai Sellu has assured the safety and support of Journalists in dispense of their job in a meeting with the President of SLAJ

In a bid to continue to strengthen the synergy and mutual relationship existing between the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Inspector General of the SLP, Fayai Sellu has assured the safety and support of Journalists in dispense of their job in a meeting with the President of SLAJ – Ahmed Sahid Nasralla and his Executive members on a courtesy call on the IGP on Wednesday, October  5, at his George Street office,  Police Headquarters in Freetown.

On behalf of SLAJ, the President congratulated the IGP on his appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of the SLP. He noted that the focus of the courtesy visit was to brief the IGP on the subsisting relationship between the Police and SLAJ. He spoke about the memorandum of understanding signed between the two Institutions in August 2021, with his predecessor; which, among other things, was and still is to end impunity in crime, work with the Police, and understand each other’s mandate, roles, and responsibilities. And now that there is an administrative change, they (SLAJ) thought it fit to do a follow-up on the MOU, and where possible, do a review of it.

This came against the backdrop that the country is moving towards or had already started the electioneering processes; for which they (SLAJ) are partners, as well. The President emphasized that this could surely make a pathway for non-violence, free, fair, and credible elections, come 2023.

IGP Fayai Sellu with a cross-section of SLAJ Executive after the engagement

The President also made an appeal for the establishment of a policy framework for the safety of Journalists, going into the elections and even at normal times. He briefed the IGP on the establishment of the National Safety Committee comprising SLAJ, the Security Sector, Civil Society, and relevant stakeholders.

Fatmata Dainkeh Katta, the SLAJ’s Assistant Secretary, in her vote of thanks, entreated the IGP about the importance of having manual/guidelines that could distinctly speak to the roles and responsibilities of the Police on one hand, and the Journalists, on the other; so as to avoid the tendency of conflicting situations. She proposed a working day between SLAJ and the Police – a day which she said could be used to clearly ascertain the codes of ethics, the Independent Media Commission’s Code of Practice, and the SLP’s mandate and responsibilities.

In response, the IGP thanked, welcomed, and appreciated the President of SLAJ and his Executive for the courtesy call, which he considered to be of paramount importance.

On the issue of reviewing the MoU signed by his predecessor, on behalf of the SLP, the IGP said that the need exists for the SLP Legal Team to look at the document, possibly for any additional inputs.

Mr. Fayia Sellu equally subscribed to having a workshop between the Police and SLAJ, so that the institutions’ roles and responsibilities could be better cascaded to either side, with the view to avoiding any superior tendencies, but rather fostering cohesion and togetherness, as development partners.

The public, the IGP said, should see Journalists and Police in harmony; noting, that it would instill confidence in the minds of the populace. The IGP encouraged the President of SLAJ and his membership to be calling on the hierarchy of the Police whenever they are faced with a challenge. This, he noted, is a professional way to salvage any impasse between the two entities.

Head of SLP’s Media and Public Relations – ACP Brima Kamara was tasked to work on the proposed workshop between the SLP and SLAJ; to look into the election’s preparedness framework, and see where SLAJ could fit in; and to carve out the different mandates, roles, and responsibilities of the SLP, SLAJ, and IMC.

In closing, the IGP said, “SLAJ is close to my heart”.

The engagement was held amid a relaxing and friendly atmosphere; climaxed with group photographs and handshakes.

Notable Executive members present, among those already mentioned, included:

Sahr James Bangah – Vice President SLAJ.

Umu H. Bakarr, Public Affairs Secretary – SLAJ.

Alhaji Manika Koroma – Secretary General SLAJ.

Mohamed Konneh – Financial Secretary SLAJ.

Mohamed Amara Gando

Journalist based in Freetown, West Africa. Africa born, and a graduate of Institute of Commercial Management (London), a correspondent at the Sierra Leone Parliament for Beyond Borders Media and Consultancy and also a Blogger. I’ve been a journalist since 2015 with a growing experience since & covered events in some African countries, Asia & the Africa Union. I love Africa, I treasure Sierra Leone. Excellent interpersonal and communication skill, ability to relate to all groups in a non-discriminatory and inclusive manner, ability to work under pressure and seek appropriate support when needed, ability to work as effective and constructive team member and motivate others. Provide a well thought out solutions and ability to provide prioritize workload, adaptable and responsible to changing demand welcome and ability to facilitate focuses group discussions and provides constructive feedback, report writing skills Ability to conduct social interviews, assessments and negotiates situations effectively.

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