By M.B. Jalloh
Veteran journalist and publisher of the Global Times newspaper, Sorie Fofana, has apologized for remarks made during an interview with Ecko Media, saying portions of the discussion were taken out of context and did not fully reflect the circumstances in which they were made.
Fofana said the interview focused on political authority, party cohesion and the temporary nature of privileges associated with public office. He explained that excerpts circulated on social media presented parts of his remarks without the broader context of the discussion.
The comments sparked public debate, particularly Fofana’s references to an official vehicle and the material benefits associated with political office. In clarifying his position, Fofana expressed regret that his remarks had been interpreted differently from what he intended and apologized to those who may have felt offended.
Parliamentary Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, told me by telephone that although he considered Fofana’s remarks unfortunate, the apology should be acknowledged and accepted.
Hon. Kargbo said that when a person recognizes that his words may have caused offence and takes the step of apologizing, there should be room for forgiveness and reconciliation.
“The willingness to acknowledge that one’s words may have caused offence and to seek understanding reflects responsibility and civility in public discourse. Sierra Leoneans who felt hurt by the remarks may therefore wish to accept the apology and allow the matter to be laid to rest,” the Opposition Leader said.
Freetown-based journalist and Islamic scholar Sheikh Alie Kallay also told me on the phone that forgiveness is a key Islamic principle in promoting peace and reconciliation.
“In Islam, forgiveness is essential if we are to move forward and live together in peace and harmony,” Sheikh Kallay said.
He cited the words of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala in the Holy Qur’an (42:40):
“The recompense of an evil is an evil like it, but whoever pardons and reconciles, his reward is with Allah.”
Sheikh Kallay said sincere repentance, correction and forgiveness can help resolve disputes and create space for reconciliation.
The episode also highlights the challenges of social media, where excerpts from lengthy interviews can circulate rapidly, sometimes without the broader context in which statements were made.
A Career in Journalism, Diplomacy and Public Service
Fofana is a veteran of Sierra Leone’s media industry whose professional career spans more than three decades.
He entered journalism in the 1990s, during one of the most turbulent periods in Sierra Leone’s history. His early career was influenced by his elder brother, the late BBC journalist Lansana “Lans Fofie” Fofana.
From 2002 to 2008, Fofana served as Information Attaché at the Sierra Leone High Commission in London. Following the end of his diplomatic tour of duty, he returned to Sierra Leone and resumed his journalism career.
He later became publisher and proprietor of the Global Times newspaper, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Sierra Leone’s media and public affairs.
Fofana subsequently moved into public-sector governance, serving as Chairman of the Board of Sierra Leone Cable Limited (SALCAB).
In 2022, President Julius Maada Bio appointed him Chairman of the Board of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), an appointment that was subsequently approved by Parliament.
He has also remained active in political commentary and has been associated with the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the administration of President Bio.
Fofana’s career has thus spanned journalism, newspaper publishing, diplomatic service, public-sector governance and political commentary, giving him a longstanding presence in Sierra Leone’s public life.
“His decision to clarify his remarks and offer an apology provides an opportunity to move the discussion beyond the controversy and toward broader questions of accountability, civility, forgiveness and responsible public discourse, ” a senior civil servant who pfefered anonymity said.