By Emma Black
As the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) gears up for its pivotal presidential election on June 7, 2025, two seasoned journalists Alhaji Manika Kamara and Mustapha stand out as frontrunners, united by a shared passion for their craft and a vision to transform the association, known affectionately as ManiMus, their camaraderie and mutual respect, showcased during a recent hike at mambo waterfall, offer a refreshing model of leadership rooted in collaboration, inspiring hope for a stronger, more inclusive SLAJ.
The campaign trail has highlighted what Kamara and Mustapha have in common both have served as SLAJ’s National Secretary-General, bringing deep institutional knowledge to the race. Mustapha, a veteran with decades of reporting experience, is respected for his tenacity, while Kamara, with 15 years as a journalist, shines as News Editor at AWOKO Newspaper, earning local and international awards for investigative reporting and ethical journalism. Together, they promise to champion inclusivity, transparency, and better welfare for Sierra Leone’s journalists.
At the Mambo Waterfall event, organized by the Sierra Leone Reporters union (SLRU), the duo shared laughter and ideas, their bond a stark contrast to the divisive politics often seen elsewhere, if our leaders learned from ManiMus’ unity, Sierra Leone would soar, said attendee Fatmata Koroma, a radio journalist. Their display of camaraderie underscored a key message the SLAJ election is about progress, not rivalry.
Kamara, whose six-year rise through SLAJ includes roles as Assistant Secretary, Acting Secretary-General, and National Secretary-General, campaigns on a platform of continuity and innovation, I want to build on SLAJ’s gains while pushing bold changes, he said at a recent forum. His plan focuses on decentralizing opportunities ensuring journalists in Bo, Kenema, and beyond access training, grants, and development programs. He also pledges to fight for fair wages, stronger legal protections, and media sustainability in a digital age.
With awards recognizing his editorial excellence, Kamara’s credentials resonate with members like Amadu Barrie, a Makeni freelancer, Manika knows our struggles he’s been in the newsroom and the boardroom, Barrie said. Kamara’s hands-on experience positions him to tackle pressing issues, from harassment of reporters to underfunded newsrooms.
Mustapha, equally formidable, draws on his decades in journalism to advocate for a revitalized SLAJ, our profession needs a voice that fights for every journalist, from Freetown to Kono, he told supporters. His priorities mirror Kamara’s—better working conditions, transparency, and advocacy but he emphasizes mentorship for young reporters and partnerships to boost media funding, Mustapha’s seen it all, he’ll guide us forward, said Hawa Sesay, a TV presenter.
Both candidates share a commitment to press freedom, a critical issue in Sierra Leone, where journalists face legal and economic pressures. Recent data from the Media Reform Coordinating Group shows 60% of reporters earn below a living wage, fuelling ManiMus’ push for reform, their campaigns also address digital challenges, like misinformation, with plans for tech training.
The election’s stakes are high. SLAJ, a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s democracy, needs a leader to navigate a polarized media landscape and advocate for rights amid growing scrutiny, this isn’t just about a title it’s about our future, said SLRU’s Aminata Conteh, urging delegates to vote with care.
As June approaches, ManiMus’ unity offers a lesson: competition need not fracture. Whether Kamara’s structured vision or Mustapha’s seasoned perspective prevails, members like Koroma hope the winner will keep the love alive. The Sierra Leone Times reached out to SLAJ for voter turnout projections but received no response by press time. For now, ManiMus embody a shared dream to lead SLAJ into an era of strength, fairness, and fearless journalism.