By Claudia Redwood-Sawyerr
As activities marking National Remembrance Week draw to a close, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, on Monday 19th January hosted the “Salone Media Dae Memba” event at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown.
The event was organised to honour journalists who lost their lives while serving the nation during Sierra Leone’s eleven-year civil war and to recognise the enduring role of the media in safeguarding democracy and peace.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, expressed deep appreciation to journalists, both past and present, for their sacrifices and commitment to democratic ideals.
“All that we have achieved as a country would not have been possible without the people in this room and those we have lost. To those who fought so that Sierra Leone could have a free society, I say thank you,” the Minister stated.
The gathering brought together veteran journalists and members of the new generation of media practitioners, who shared reflections on journalism before, during and after the civil war and discussed how the media can continue to uphold peace, accountability and democratic governance.
A high-level panel discussion featured seasoned journalists and government officials who were active during the conflict: Kelvin Lewis, Silvester Rogers, Umaru Fofana, Hannah Fullah, Unisa Sesay and Dr. Julius Spencer. The panel was moderated by Madam Yeama Thompson.
The discussions were centred on the three defining phases of journalism in Sierra Leone; pre-war, wartime and post-war, and examined how journalists contributed to national healing, public awareness and the restoration and maintenance of democracy.
Minister Bah reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting press freedom, noting that the promotion of a free society
and a free press remains a key priority.
The “Salone Media Dae Memba” event served as a solemn tribute to fallen journalists and a powerful reminder of the media’s critical role in preserving peace, democracy and national memory.
