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It was just days ago that my
daughter had her 11th birthday. She was excited about this birthday as never before, but I
understood why. A couple of days prior, she was
accepted to the Later
that evening, the family, all well dressed, gathered to
observe the day. Balkisu was about to cut her cake when one of her younger
siblings suddenly moved
past her and dashed for the cake. It was a dramatic scene that made us all
laugh. But then something struck me:
The thought that all of this could not have happened had I not had the
opportunity to escape death and seek refuge away from home. My daughter may
have lived to see her 11th birthday but her younger brothers who were born here
in the
This year marks my 11th year of
seeking refuge away from home. My
forced exile came on the heels of attempts on my life by members of the
then-brutal rebel forces of the Revolutionary United Front during the
decade-long civil war of the ’90s in Sierra Leone. My crime was being a journalist and, worse still, reporting on the
war. If not for the Committee to
Protect Journalists, I wouldn't have lived to see this day.
Living in exile as a journalist
has been challenging for me particularly because I now no longer carry out what used to be my daily
responsibility: Bringing
the news to the
As a
freelancer, I have gotten to experience the
high standards and competitive
nature of the American media. Since coming over to the
With the help of CPJ, I got a
freelancing position at the Voice of America in
Aside from gaining a better understanding of and practicing the
profession I cherish, I have also been privileged to attend a great institution of learning
here in the
Aroun is a freelance journalist living in
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Keep it up Aroun, I am proud of your achievements. Please call me on 904-881-0752
Hi Aroun,
Those who think chasing journalists and repressing us will have their way; will never see the other day. We will live forever, and they will reach the end of their tether. Aroun you fought a brave fight, and in your life there never will be night. Long live journalism; and a short life I wish those who seek to turn into a prison our prism.
Aroun, you know this is all about us - SLBS (not SLBC)and the struggle for democratic journalism & objectivity against repressive political movements. You & I know how it all began - a willingness to take up challenges and a combination of courage and Divine providence in a winding path that eventually led to your escape to 'freedom.' We thank God each time we see the 'up' side of journalism, as in your testimonial.
Best
Cyril
Alfa,
You have indeed done and continued to do what our world deserves (Keeping the Truth)
Keep up the good work and live right
its Almamy Tun Seray-Wurie Si
Aroun,
You are lucky to have fled successfully and have gained by the help of a bigger journalist body. That is a success in your job.
I am also a journalist from Sierra Leone. I ran here during the war. It is tough to make a head way here as a journalist. No improvement, no opportunities nothing absolutely.
I hope one day I would be able to tell my stories freely as you have done.You went through a lot and god will bless you and your children. They will continue to smile.
May be help will come some day to free me to smile and tell the story.
Austin
Hi Mr deen ...Am Benjamin palmer...used to work with FDP..would love to be in touch..pls mail..God bless