By: Usman Fambuleh
Sierra Leonean Parliamentarian and Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Mariama Bangura, MP, has called on the Mano River Union countries to strengthen digital policies, protect citizens online, and deepen regional cooperation as the 3rd Annual Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU-IGF) 2026 gets underway in Liberia.
Speaking at the Liberia Learning Center in Paynesville City on 21 September 2026, under the theme “Building an Inclusive, Secure and Resilient Digital Future for the Mano River Union Region,” Hon. Bangura stressed that technology has become a fundamental part of national development, influencing education, agriculture, small businesses, healthcare and government services. She cautioned, however, that technology alone cannot deliver meaningful transformation without strong leadership, clear policies and human-centred legislation. She declared that “a digital future cannot be built for a select few,” arguing that rural communities, market women, young people and other underserved groups must have access to affordable and reliable internet.
The lawmaker further urged parliamentarians across the region to strengthen laws protecting personal data, privacy and online safety, while safeguarding young people from cybercrime and online harassment. She called for greater investment in digital literacy and opportunities for women and young entrepreneurs, and advocated harmonised legislation on Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies among Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire. Hon. Bangura also emphasised the importance of accountable digital governance, noting that technology should strengthen democracy and public trust. “The choices we make today in our parliaments, policies, and regional agreements will determine the opportunities available to our children tomorrow,” she stated.
Mr. Edward Williams, Vice President of the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter, reinforced the call for a stronger and more people-centred digital environment in the Mano River region. Mr. Williams highlighted the need for an internet that is inclusive, secure and resilient, stressing that digital opportunities should reach communities beyond major cities and serve the realities of ordinary citizens. His role as Vice President of the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter and his involvement in regional Internet Governance Forum activities are independently documented by Internet Society-related sources.
Mr. Williams stressed that inclusion must ensure that no community is left behind, while security must build trust in the digital economy through the protection of data, children and democratic processes. He warned that resilience is equally important in confronting challenges such as misinformation, cyber threats, connectivity gaps and other disruptions that can weaken digital participation. He also underscored the importance of Mano River cooperation, presenting the Forum as an opportunity to connect policy with the needs of people and transform regional unity into greater digital strength.
The two interventions therefore placed people, policy and regional cooperation at the centre of the 2026 MRU-IGF. The event focused strongly on legislative action, digital rights, emerging technologies and accountable governance, Their must be inclusion, security and resilience as essential foundations for a digital future that benefits citizens across the four Mano River Union countries.
The Forum, being held on 21–22 September 2026 at the Liberia Learning Center in Paynesville City, brings together stakeholders from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire to discuss the region’s digital future. Stakeholders challenged participants to move beyond discussions and use the Forum as a launchpad for concrete action, with stronger parliamentary engagement, modern legislation and deeper cross-border collaboration.
