23rd May, 2024
By: Sahr James Bangah, Vice President: SLAJ
Good morning honourable members of the diplomatic core, distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.
I feel greatly honoured as the Vice president of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), deputizing my president, Mr. Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, is at present, representing our Association in Kenya on deliberations of significant importance relating to promoting democratic values in our contemporary world.
My task today is to address you on a crucial topic: The role of journalists in leveraging Good Governance for the Operational Efficiency of Security Forces.
Today, the interplay between governance, security, and journalism is crucial for our collective security. As journalists, we hold a unique position of influence and responsibility. We are not merely observers; we are catalysts for change, advocates for transparency, and guardians of democracy.
Information is a powerful tool. It shapes public perception, influence policy decisions, and fosters accountability. Our role as journalists is to ensure that information is accurate, unbiased, and accessible. When we shine a light on the actions of security forces, we do so not to undermine their efforts but to ensure that they operate within the framework of good governance.
Good governance is established on the ethical values of transparency and accountability. Security forces are trusted with the critical task of maintaining order, defending the integrity of the state, and protecting citizens, the state expects its security forces to operate with the highest levels of integrity and discipline in discharging its duties.
Our duty as journalists is to accurately inform the populace of unfolding events void of political, regional, ethnical, and tribal affiliations. By doing so, we promote a culture of accountability, promote the principles of utilitarianism, deter misconduct and encourage a civilization of love in our beloved nations.
As journalists, it is our national duty to bridge the gap of mistrust between the public and our security forces. Such mistrust can undermine operational efficiency, erode social cohesion, and disturb national peace and tranquillity. Journalists can create national unity and public reforms by accurate reporting and providing balanced coverage on events.
By providing balanced coverage of security operations, the journalist can foster security-community interactions and a change in public policy for the general good. we have a moral duty to provide accurate information to the public that can foster understanding and build trust. We must not misinform the public for our personal gains as it can be a recipe for national chaos.
On this note the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) with funding from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has established a fact-checking Center” known as the “I verify” The I verify mechanism proved to be essential and successful, especially during the general elections and the November 26th 2023 coup attempt by combating misinformation and disinformation.
Our investigative work often uncovers universal issues that impede the efficiency of security forces. Whether it’s corruption, lack of resources, or inadequate training, our reporting can prompt necessary policy reforms by bringing pertinent issues to the forefront. We can influence lawmakers to take actions which ensures that security forces are well-equipped and properly managed to perform their duties.
While security forces are tasked with maintaining order, it is crucial that their actions respect human rights and ethical standards. Journalists play a pivotal role in monitoring and reporting on any violations during their operations. Our unwavering commitment to human rights ensures that the security apparatus operates within the bounds of the law by protecting citizens rather than oppressing them.
The relationship between journalists and security forces should not be adversarial but collaborative. Security forces must operate under transparent policies and must be held accountable for their actions. When this is done, public trust is built. This trust is important for effective cooperation between security forces and the communities they serve. Journalists must ensure that stringent oversight devices are put in place to ensure that misconduct is addressed promptly, and zero tolerance to the abuse of power by our security at the detriment of the citizens.
By working together, we can create a safer and more informed society. This can be done by regular dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the public good. These are essential for our partnership’s success. Security forces can benefit from our visions, while we gain a deeper understanding of their constraints.
In conclusion, our role as journalists extends beyond reporting the news. We are key to the promotion of good governance and the operational efficiency of security forces. Through our commitment to truth, transparency, and accountability, we can help build a civilized and democratic society based on the principles of equitable justice.
Let us embrace this responsibility with integrity and dedication, we must realize that by working together, we can transform lives and strengthen our national democracy. SLAJ is pleased to inform the public that there is cordial collaboration, mutual respect, and collective determination between SLAJ and all the security forces nationwide.
The existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SLAJ and the security forces underpins our concerted determination to promote our national democracy.
SLAJ is looking forward to support from the military forces; International bodies, and other state parties for funds to train journalists on how to collect, manage, and share information with the appropriate authorities in the interest of our national security.
Thanks for listening.
