The American Historical Association (AHA) has written a formal letter to Julius Maada Bio, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, raising concerns about the personal safety and academic freedom of Dr. Chernoh Alpha M. Bah, a prominent historian and investigative journalist. Dr. Bah has reportedly faced ongoing threats and harassment in response to his investigative work exposing alleged corruption among high-ranking Sierra Leonean government officials.
In the letter, the AHA highlighted the severe nature of the threats, including death threats, which have prevented Dr. Bah from returning to Sierra Leone to continue his academic research. “The harassment Bah has been subjected to which includes death threats has prevented him from returning to Sierra Leone to continue his academic research,” the AHA wrote.
The association emphasized that the threats Dr. Bah has endured, allegedly from government officials, are a direct violation of his academic freedom and human rights, specifically his ability to pursue historical scholarship without fear of reprisal. The AHA urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure Dr. Bah’s safety and to uphold the principles of academic freedom, which are essential for the free exchange of ideas and critical research in democratic societies.
The letter from the AHA underscores the growing concerns surrounding the protection of academics and journalists who speak out against corruption and other injustices, calling for stronger measures to safeguard individuals in such positions.
The full letter is available for public viewing, outlining the AHA’s commitment to protecting the rights of scholars globally.
This incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of academic freedom and the safety of journalists in Sierra Leone, particularly those who challenge the status quo.
