CIVIL SOCIETY AND THE DEFENCE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN SIERRA
LEONE: PROTECTING DEMOCRACY THROUGH MEDIA FREEDOM

A free press is a cornerstone of democratic governance. It informs
citizens, exposes wrongdoing, promotes accountability, and provides a
platform for public debate. The media therefore performs a public
function that extends beyond reporting events; it strengthens
transparency and ensures that those in authority remain accountable.

In Sierra Leone, progress in press freedom has been driven by
constitutional guarantees, legal reforms, and the sustained efforts of civil
society organisations, journalists, and human rights advocates. However,
as the media landscape evolves, particularly through digital platforms,
new challenges require continued protection of the democratic space.