As trends point to a global decline in press freedom, the International Journalists Network (IJNet) reports that Sierra Leone is moving in the opposite direction. Over 20 years after emerging from civil war, the West African country is adopting reforms outlined in the post war Truth and Reconciliation Commission in order to comply with international treaties and encourage economic growth. Sierra Leone jumped 29 places in the 2022 Reporters Without Borders press freedom rankings since repealing a repressive 1965 libel Law, and government and civil society leaders there appear committed to fostering a free press. While threats to the development of Sierra Leone’s media remain, the country presents an example of how political will is advancing reform at a time when media repression is increasing around the world.

Read IJNet’s full article here.