Chairman of the Legislative Committee in the Parliament of Sierra Leone, Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh, has called on African parliaments to adopt proactive measures to confront growing cybersecurity threats and digital disinformation across the continent.
Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh made the appeal during the 55th Annual General Meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region on 13 August 2026 in Lilongwe, Malawi, where he seconded a motion calling for stronger parliamentary safeguards against cyberattacks and the spread of false and misleading information online.
Addressing delegates, Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh warned that African democratic institutions are operating in an increasingly complex digital environment in which cyberattacks can interrupt parliamentary business, expose sensitive information and weaken citizens’ confidence in public institutions.
He added that digital disinformation, amplified through social media platforms and artificial intelligence, has become a powerful instrument capable of influencing public opinion, undermining institutions and destabilizing democratic processes.
“Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical ICT issue. It is now a governance issue, a national security issue and a democratic resilience issue,” Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh said.
He stressed that African parliaments must prepare for emerging digital threats not only through improved technology, but also by strengthening institutional systems, strategic planning and organizational culture. According to him, responding after damage has occurred is no longer sufficient, making early preparation, prevention and resilience essential.
Highlighting Sierra Leone’s experience, Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh said the country has taken important steps to promote responsible journalism and protect democratic expression, including the repeal of Part V of the Public Order Act, which criminalized libel.
He also referenced the enactment of the Cyber Security and Crime Act, 2021, as part of the country’s efforts to protect institutions and individuals from cyberattacks, online abuse and other technology-related offences.
According to Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh, the legislation provides a framework for preventing the misuse of computer systems, facilitating the timely collection of electronic evidence, protecting critical national information infrastructure and strengthening international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of cybercrime.
He described the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region as an important platform representing the interests of people across the continent. He therefore encouraged its members to ensure that decisions and recommendations reached during regional meetings are translated into practical measures within their respective countries.
Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh urged the association to prioritize preparedness over reaction and ensure that the rapid expansion of digital technology is accompanied by sustained capacity-building programmes for Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff.
He said lawmakers and parliamentary personnel must possess the necessary knowledge and skills to understand emerging digital threats, develop appropriate laws and provide effective oversight of national cybersecurity policies and institutions.
Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh further called for the domestication of cybersecurity policies and greater investment in civic education to help citizens identify disinformation, use digital platforms responsibly and protect themselves from online threats.
He commended the President of the Parliamentary Female Caucus in the Parliament of Sierra Leone for urging the association to move “from talking to action,” describing the appeal as timely and consistent with the need for practical responses to emerging cybersecurity challenges.
While advocating stronger action against cybercrime and digital disinformation, Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh cautioned African Governments and parliaments against introducing measures that could restrict legitimate criticism, press freedom or citizens’ right to expression.
“Our efforts to eliminate cybersecurity threats in our respective countries should not be seen as a tool to hinder democracy,” he stated.
Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh concluded by reaffirming the determination of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region to confront cybersecurity threats while protecting the democratic freedoms and fundamental rights of citizens across the continent.
