By Mark Feldman and Nik Harris
The International Peace Bureau (IPB) has issued an appeal to the global peace movement and human rights organizations for support of a solidarity tour organized by Africanist Press. The tour aims to mobilize support for the protection of fundamental rights in Sierra Leone and beyond.
The IPB is a global organization dedicated to the vision of a world without war. Founded in 1891 in Bern, Switzerland, during consultations at the Universal Peace Congresses, the IPB is the world’s oldest international peace federation. It works towards disarmament for sustainable development, focusing on reallocating military spending to address social and environmental needs. The organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1910 for serving as “a link between the peace societies of the various countries” and played a pivotal role in promoting the concepts of the League of Nations and the Permanent Court of International Justice.
“We invite you to meet Dr. Chernoh Alpha M. Bah, a Sierra Leonean historian, investigative journalist, and the editor of Africanist Press. He will be traveling through Europe from August 7 to 17, and Africa from August 18 until the end of the month as part of this solidarity tour,” the IPB stated in a message widely circulated on July 28, 2025.
The tour aims to raise awareness about ongoing threats to free speech and academic freedom in Sierra Leone, where Dr. Bah and his colleagues have faced persistent harassment, death threats, and exile following their investigations into high-level government corruption. Despite international condemnation from organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the American Historical Association (AHA), and the Committee of Concerned Scientists (CCS), these attacks have continued without accountability.
During his tour, Dr. Bah hopes to meet with human rights groups, press freedom advocates, academic institutions, political parties, and civil society organizations across Europe and Africa to build solidarity and mobilize international support for the protection of fundamental rights.
Dr. Bah will begin his tour in Berlin, Germany, and will then meet with various organizations and groups in other European countries before continuing his journey in Africa from August 18 until the end of the month.
“We understand that this period coincides with summer holidays, and many individuals may be away. Nevertheless, we hope that some organizations and people will still be available and interested in arranging meetings or hosting conversations,” the IPB noted.
Africanist Press, an organizational member of the IPB, is an independent investigative media organization dedicated to anti-corruption, peace, and democratic governance in Africa.
“We hope to mobilize more global voices in defense of free speech and democracy, not just in Sierra Leone, but across Africa and beyond,” Dr. Bah stated.