Apex Newspaper Affirms Solidarity With Mabel & Khadija

The growing controversy surrounding Mabel Kabba and Khadija Bangura, presenters and co-founders of Liberty Online TV, has reopened an important national conversation about press freedom, gender equality and the treatment of women in Sierra Leone’s media industry. Beyond the political debate surrounding their breakfast programme, a fundamental question deserves attention: Are women journalists subjected to harsher criticism when they occupy influential positions in public discourse?

Mabel and Khadija are not newcomers to Sierra Leone’s media landscape. They have built their professional careers through years of hard work, beginning at Radio Democracy 98.1 FM before taking the bold decision in 2023 to establish Liberty Online TV. Their journey reflects determination, professional growth, media entrepreneurship and the courage to establish an independent media platform in an increasingly competitive media environment.

The latest controversy followed their October 19, 2026, breakfast programme, which featured SLPP National Publicity Secretary, Moses Sellu Mambu. During the broadcast, Mambu made allegations involving journalists Victor Jones and Thomas Dixon. Victor Jones subsequently lodged a complaint with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).

On October 28, SLAJ rejected the allegation that Jones and Dixon had conspired to submit a false report against Mambu, explaining that its records contained no evidence to substantiate the claim. The association also cautioned against public statements capable of damaging journalists’ professional reputations and exposing them to hostility.

However, an important distinction must be made between the responsibility of a guest and that of the journalists who provide the platform. Should Mabel and Khadija be held personally responsible for every statement made by a guest during their programme? Hosting a political representative does not automatically amount to endorsing his views. Journalists have a responsibility to facilitate public debate, while guests must equally be accountable for their own statements.

Nevertheless, presenters also have editorial responsibilities. They must ensure that allegations are appropriately challenged, relevant parties are given opportunities to respond and broadcasts comply with professional standards. Such responsibilities apply equally to male and female journalists.

What should not be overlooked, however, is the gender dimension of the controversy. Women in influential positions often encounter additional scrutiny, personal attacks and attempts to undermine their credibility. In the media industry, women who establish independent platforms and become prominent voices in national discussions can face judgments that extend beyond their professional performance to their personalities, appearance and perceived political loyalties.

This does not mean every criticism directed at Mabel and Khadija is necessarily motivated by sexism. Their editorial decisions, like those of other media practitioners, must remain open to legitimate professional scrutiny. The Independent Media Commission’s August 2026 ruling concerning an earlier Liberty TV broadcast also demonstrates that media organisations must respect verification, accuracy and responsible broadcasting.

However, professional accountability must never become a convenient excuse for intimidation, political labelling or personal attacks. Criticism should be based on evidence, professional standards and the principles of responsible journalism.

Lawyer Basita Michael has publicly defended the two presenters, warning against attempts to undermine independent media voices by attaching political affiliations to their work. Her intervention highlights the wider importance of protecting journalists and safeguarding the independence of media institutions.

Sierra Leone cannot genuinely champion women’s empowerment while overlooking the challenges faced by women who have worked hard to establish themselves in influential professional positions.

Apex Newspaper stands with Mabel and Khadija in defending their right to practice journalism without intimidation, discrimination or unfair treatment. They deserve the same professional respect, freedom and protection afforded to their male counterparts. They should be assessed on the quality of their journalism, editorial judgment and professional conduct, not subjected to unfair treatment because they are women with independent voices.

Ultimately, the controversy should encourage a broader national discussion about media ethics, gender equality and the protection of independent journalism. A democratic society must allow journalists, regardless of gender, to ask difficult questions, host controversial discussions and contribute to national debate without fear of intimidation.