The Guild of Editors – Sierra Leone unequivocally condemns the persistent threats, intimidation, and physical attacks against Ms. Hawa Dauda, a dedicated and courageous reporter working with Mercury Radio in Freetown.

Ms. Dauda has over the years served the public interest with professionalism, integrity, and unrelenting commitment to the truth. However, for simply doing her job, reporting fearlessly and speaking truth to power, she has been subjected to both verbal and physical threats that put her safety and that of her family at risk.

We particularly reference the unlawful arrest of Ms. Dauda in 2021, after she made a critical comment on social media regarding a prominent politician. Her only “crime” was exercising her constitutional right to free speech and press freedom. That arrest was not only unjust but remains a dark stain on Sierra Leone’s commitment to democratic ideals.
In recent months, Ms. Dauda has reported multiple cases of threats and physical intimidation, including but not limited to:
 An attack at K-Tee Field, Kingtom
 Another disturbing incident at Attouga Field, East End Freetown
In both instances, she provided the Guild with evidence, and we in turn followed up with her at the Adelaide Street Police Station, where she officially reported the cases. To date, no visible action has been taken by the Sierra Leone Police, and no investigations have been concluded or arrests made.
The Guild is extremely concerned that such neglect emboldens perpetrators and further endangers the lives of media practitioners in this country.
We therefore demand the following:
1. An immediate and thorough investigation into the attacks on Ms. Hawa Dauda, including those at Kingtom and Attouga Field.
2. Protective measures for Ms. Dauda to continue her work in safety.
3. A public assurance from the Sierra Leone Police and relevant authorities that attacks on journalists will no longer be tolerated under any circumstance.
C/O MRCG 145 Circular Road, Freetown.
Email: editorsguild94@gmail.com Mob:+23277426278
Bankers: Union Trust Bank A/C No: 01-210-25968-01
Let it be known that an attack on one journalist is an attack on all. We will not stand idly by while our colleagues are threatened, abused, or intimidated for doing their work. The silence and inaction of the authorities in this matter are unacceptable and undermine the very principles of freedom of expression and press independence that are enshrined in our Constitution.
We call on civil society, international partners, and all defenders of press freedom to join us in condemning these attacks and demanding justice for Ms. Hawa Dauda.
Elias Bangura
Secretary General