Rev. Diamond-Suma Brings Media & Faith Experience to IMC
In a significant boost to Sierra Leone’s media regulatory landscape, His Excellency Brig. (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has appointed Rev. Alusine Diamond-Suma as a Commissioner of the Independent Media Commission (IMC). The appointment, made in line with the Independent Media Commission Act No. 5 of 2020, reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening press freedom, civic responsibility, and digital transformation in the media space.
Rev. Diamond-Suma is no stranger to Sierra Leone’s media industry. With nearly two decades of experience spanning print, broadcast, and digital platforms, he has established himself as a respected journalist and media innovator. As a long-standing member of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), he will be representing the association at the Commission a role many in the media fraternity describe as both timely and strategic.
Beyond the newsroom, Rev. Diamond-Suma combines communication expertise with leadership in faith and public service. He currently serves as Communications Lead for the Anglican Diocese of Freetown (including the Northern Region) while also ministering as a Parish Priest. This dual calling has enabled him to shepherd communities in faith, while simultaneously shaping national conversations through journalism and digital advocacy.
Colleagues and observers note that his appointment comes at a critical time, as Sierra Leone’s media grapples with the challenges of misinformation, economic constraints, and the ongoing global shift toward digital platforms. His combined knowledge of traditional journalism and emerging technologies is expected to help the IMC strengthen its oversight role with vision and rigor.
“I see this role not just as a personal honor, but as a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s democratic journey,” Rev. Diamond-Suma remarked after receiving his appointment letter from State House. “The media remains the lifeblood of accountability and good governance, and I am committed to supporting a free, responsible, and technologically adaptive media environment.”
Rev. Diamond-Suma has also been instrumental in guiding media houses toward digital transformation, mentoring young journalists, and promoting civic education in rural communities. Through his media consulting work and engagement in governance programming including youth empowerment, Open Government Partnership (OGP) initiatives, and parliamentary democracy projects he has consistently bridged local realities with global media development trends.
The Independent Media Commission remains a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s democracy, tasked with safeguarding press freedom and ensuring accountability within the media. With Rev. Diamond-Suma now part of its leadership, the Commission is well-positioned to adapt to the challenges of the digital age while upholding the values of professionalism, independence, and public trust.
