Freetown, Sierra Leone – September 30, 2025 — The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) has successfully concluded a series of regional training sessions for journalists across Sierra Leone on reporting transitional justice issues. The initiative, supported by the Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF), aimed to enhance the capacity of media practitioners to effectively cover topics related to justice, accountability, reconciliation, and human rights in post-conflict Sierra Leone.
The regional trainings, held in key locations including Bo, Port Loko, and Freetown, brought together sixty-six (66) journalists from print, broadcast, and online media outlets. Participants received in-depth knowledge on transitional justice mechanisms, the role of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), special courts, reparations, and ongoing efforts toward national healing.
Dr. Francis Sowa, MRCG’s National Coordinator, emphasized the critical role the media plays in shaping public understanding of transitional justice. “The media is a key stakeholder in Sierra Leone’s transitional justice process. Journalists must be equipped with the right tools, context, and ethical standards to report on these sensitive but important issues,” Dr. Sowa stated during the closing ceremony.
He further noted that the training sought to bridge the knowledge gap among journalists and to promote more informed, accurate, and responsible reporting that can contribute to long-term peace and reconciliation in Sierra Leone.
Experts from academia and civil society, facilitated the sessions, covering topics such as the principles of transitional justice, investigative journalism, trauma-informed reporting, and the role of the media in post-conflict societies. The training also included practical exercises, case studies, and group discussions to ensure a hands-on learning experience.
Participants expressed appreciation for the training and called for continuous engagement between the media, civil society, and transitional justice institutions. “This training has broadened my understanding of how transitional justice impacts our communities. I now feel better prepared to tell the stories that matter,” said Mariama Kamara, a journalist from Bo.
The Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund (ATJLF), which funded the initiative, supports grassroots and community-level interventions that promote accountability, justice, and healing in Africa’s transitional societies. The support from ATJLF underscores the importance of an empowered and informed media sector in the consolidation of peace and democracy.
The MRCG reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening media professionalism and promoting responsible journalism in Sierra Leone through continued training, advocacy, and collaboration with partners.
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