Sierra Leone Moves to Reform Media Regulation: IMC Hosts Stakeholder Consultation on IMC Act 2020 in Response to Tripartite Recommendation 76

Freetown, Sierra Leone – 18 July 2025 – As part of an ongoing effort to reform Sierra Leone’s media governance landscape, the Independent Media Commission (IMC), in collaboration with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and with support from the European Union, hosted a high-level stakeholder consultation at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. The consultation aimed to review and reform the IMC Act 2020, ensuring its alignment with evolving media dynamics and democratic principles.

This strategic engagement was initiated in direct response to Recommendation 76 of the Tripartite Committee Report, which was developed following post-2023 electoral consultations involving Sierra Leone’s main political parties. The recommendation calls for far-reaching reforms to bolster the IMC’s independence, strengthen its regulatory powers, and modernize the legal framework that governs media operations in the country.

Laying the Foundation for Media Reform

In his opening remarks, Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa, Esq., Chairman of the Independent Media Commission, emphasized the importance of the legislative review. He stated that revising the IMC Act is not only necessary but urgent, especially in an era where digital media, social media, and non-traditional news platforms have rapidly reshaped the information ecosystem.

“The current framework must evolve if we are to effectively address misinformation, safeguard media freedom, and ensure accountability within the profession,” Kapuwa said. He called for active and meaningful engagement from all stakeholders, urging them to propose practical and forward-looking reforms that would lead to a strong, independent and responsive regulatory regime.

Inclusive Stakeholder Participation

The consultation attracted a broad spectrum of participants, including representatives from traditional and digital media outlets, journalism academics, civil society actors, regulatory bodies such as the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) and Sierra Leone Police, and international development partners.

The event was skillfully moderated by Khalil Kallon, Executive Secretary of the IMC, who ensured the sessions were inclusive, well-structured, and solution-driven. Participants were divided into thematic working groups to analyze and provide input on key reform areas such as:

The appointment and tenure of the IMC Chairperson

Strengthening the Commission’s enforcement capabilities

Updating and enforcing the Media Code of Conduct

Tackling hate speech and electoral misinformation on digital platforms

Each group later presented its findings and proposals during a plenary session, which will feed into the Commission’s ongoing review and legislative drafting process.

Voices from Key Partners

In a compelling keynote address, Mawusi Durenu, Programme Officer for Elections at International IDEA, highlighted the organization’s decades-long commitment to democratic development. He noted that the reform initiative falls in line with International IDEA’s mission of supporting democratic resilience, particularly in emerging democracies.

Durenu stressed the importance of robust media regulation in election environments, especially as digital platforms become fertile grounds for disinformation and electoral manipulation. He also confirmed International IDEA’s support in equipping the IMC with a modern media monitoring system, a tool that will significantly enhance the Commission’s oversight capacity.

SLAJ and Government Endorse Media Law Reform

Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), President Alhaji Manika Kamara welcomed the review, describing it as a landmark moment for media professionalism and public accountability. He commended International IDEA for its technical support and highlighted the urgent need to adapt media laws to the digital era, where unregulated online platforms have grown in influence.

Kamara urged the IMC to adopt a more proactive approach in protecting journalists’ rights while also enforcing standards that promote ethical reporting. He further called for all legislative reforms to remain consistent with Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution, particularly in relation to press freedom.

Representing the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Nancy Koroma reiterated the government’s full support for the consultation process. She acknowledged that modernizing the IMC Act is essential to:

Enhancing transparency in the appointment process for the IMC leadership

Empowering the Commission to respond to violations of the Media Code of Conduct

Addressing the spread of hate speech and fake news, particularly during sensitive electoral periods

She encouraged participants to contribute their technical knowledge and institutional experiences to shape a resilient, forward-looking legal framework that reflects the nation’s democratic aspirations.

Towards a Stronger Media Ecosystem

Technical sessions were led by media expert Dr. Francis Sowa, who facilitated deep-dives into critical issues such as content regulation, sanction mechanisms, digital platform accountability, and electoral media coverage. He emphasized the need to strike a careful balance between media freedom and media responsibility, especially in polarized political contexts.

Dr. Sowa highlighted the role of institutional coordination in enforcing media ethics and warned against over-regulation, advocating instead for principled oversight, stakeholder training, and sustained public engagement.

Looking Ahead

This national stakeholder consultation marks a pivotal step in the broader reform agenda aimed at updating Sierra Leone’s media regulatory framework. The process is part of a series of nationwide dialogues that seek to make the IMC Act more relevant, inclusive, and future-ready.

As envisioned under Recommendation 76 of the Tripartite Committee Report, the proposed amendments are expected to:

Improve the transparency and credibility of IMC appointments

Expand the Commission’s mandate to reflect digital challenges

Strengthen journalist training and ethical compliance in political reporting

With widespread support from government institutions, media professionals, civil society, and international partners, the review of the IMC Act 2020 is set to redefine the contours of media regulation in Sierra Leone, offering a path toward a more professional, accountable, and democratic media environment.