By Shebora Samba Kamara
Paul Kamara Esq, a leading Human Rights and Freedom of Expression Advocate from Sierra Leone and a Media Law Lecturer at the University of Makeni will represent his Country at a pivotal gathering of legal experts in West Africa.
The forum, organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), will commence on the 8th October,2024 at the Mensvic Grand Hotel in Accra, Ghana.
The event, themed “Countering Legal Obstacles to Media Freedom, Civic Expression and the Fight Against Impunity,” seeks to address the growing legal and safety challenges faced by journalists, activists, and media organizations in the region.
Kamara’s participation in this meeting marks a significant moment for Sierra Leone and the broader West African region, where press freedom has been increasingly threatened. As an advocate, Kamara has dedicated his career to defending freedom of expression, fighting for the protection of journalists, and challenging legal frameworks that stifle free speech. His presence at the forum underlines the critical need for legal reform and coordinated efforts to safeguard media rights in countries like Sierra Leone, where the press remains vulnerable to political pressure and legal harassment.
One of the key outcomes of the forum will be the launch of the West Africa Network of Activists and Media Defence Lawyers (WANAMDEL), a collective of legal professionals committed to defending the rights of journalists, activists, and civil society groups across the region. Kamara’s involvement in the creation of this network is poised to enhance press freedom in Sierra Leone by providing journalists and media houses with the much needed pro-bono legal support and advocacy.
This initiative is particularly impactful given the challenges West African journalists face, including arbitrary arrests, legal intimidation, and financial difficulties, which often deter them from pursuing legal recourse.
Speaking ahead of the event, Kamara emphasized the urgent need for legal protection in Sierra Leone, stating, “Journalists and activists are at the forefront of holding power to account, but without a robust legal support system, they are left vulnerable to persecution. This network of lawyers will be a powerful tool in strengthening press freedom not just in Sierra Leone but throughout West Africa.”
The forum is set to gather human rights lawyers, government officials, security agencies, media groups, and civil society organizations from across the region. With Kamara’s leadership and advocacy, the event promises to be a stepping stone toward greater collaboration and the creation of a more resilient legal defence framework for the press and civil society in West Africa.
Such an initiative compliments the positive and passionate work of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) under the astute leadership of Dr. Francis Sowa Esq. who is a dedicated press freedom advocate whose interest is to see a society that harnesses reforms which promote Media Viability, Freedom and rights.
As Sierra Leone continues to navigate its democratic journey, Paul Kamara’s role in this regional initiative underscores his commitment to ensuring that the fundamental rights of free expression and access to information are protected, reinforcing the vital role of the media in promoting accountability and transparency across West Africa.