Makeni, 2nd October, 2026
The Management of Hope Radio 93.3 FM, (Voice of Sanda ), wishes to inform the public, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the Independent Media Commission (IMC), and all press freedom partners that its Head of Production, Mr Ishmail Stanley Bangura, was brutally assaulted while performing his legitimate duties as a journalist.
On the 2nd of October, 2026, Mr Bangura went to cover an event at the APC District Office on Field Road, Makeni, following the disputed APC Bombali District Chairmanship elections.
At the scene, thugs and bodyguards identified as loyalists of the disputed Chairman-elect, Mr Alie Kamara alias “Alie General”, attacked Mr Bangura, with sticks and other objects, beat him, and forcibly seized his mobile phones, which he was using to record violence scene.
Mr Bangura sustained bodily injuries and is currently undergoing medical treatment
Hope Radio 93.3 FM considers this not only an attack on one journalist, but a direct attack on Press Freedom, Democracy and the People’s Right to know.
Hope Radio 93.3 FM is deeply concerned that journalists are now being targeted for covering political violence. If this is allowed, no journalist will feel safe covering the 2028 elections.
Hope Radio 93.3 FM views the seizure of Mr Bangura’s phones as theft, intimidation, and an attempt to destroy evidence of violence.
The matter has been formally reported at the Rogbaneh Police Division in Makeni. A police medical form has been issued, and the victim has made a formal statement to the police.
Management demands the immediate and unconditional return of Mr Bangura’s seized mobile phones.
The Management urges the All Peoples Congress (APC) at district and national levels to publicly condemn this act and call their supporters to order.
The Management encourages the Sierra Leone Police to speedily investigate, arrest and prosecute the perpetrators without fear or favour.
Management urges SLAJ, IMC and all press freedom organisations to stand with the Radio Station and condemn this act.
Management wishes to assure its listeners and the public that no amount of intimidation will stop Hope Radio 93.3 FM from doing its professional work. We will continue to be the Voice of the Voiceless.
We call on all journalists in Bombali to remain calm but vigilant as we pursue this matter to its logical conclusion.
END
MANAGEMENT
