The Parliament of Sierra Leone joined the global community on Tuesday7 October 2025 in commemorating Cyber Security Awareness Month, a campaign dedicated to educating individuals and organizations on online safety and the protection of digital data from cyber threats.
The event, held in Committee Room One of the Parliament Building, featured remarks from key officials emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding national and personal information.
Head of the Parliament’s Cyber Security Unit, Mohamed Lebbie, highlighted the critical role of awareness in protecting against cyber- attacks. He noted that Parliament, as the custodian of lawmaking, stands at the forefront of the fight against cybercrime. Mohamed Lebbie cautioned staff against clicking on unidentified links, which could lead to hacking, phishing or stalking and urged them to verify the authenticity of all digital content before accessing it.
“This month is dedicated to fighting cyber-attacks and raising awareness not only for parliamentary staff but also for the people of Sierra Leone,” Mohamed Lebbie said. He also recommended regular password updates using combinations of numbers, letters and symbols every three months to reduce vulnerability to attacks. Additionally, he advised the public to avoid joining unverified WhatsApp groups or clicking on suspicious social media links.
Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Gilbert Bosco N’habay, reinforced the call for vigilance, stressing the need to build a digital-resilient Parliament capable of setting an example for the nation. “We must all work together to ensure digital platforms are safe and secure,” he said, urging staff and citizens alike to play an active role in combating cyber threats.
In his keynote address, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Patrick M. Gibrilla, highlighted the Government’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity across Sierra Leone. He cited President Julius Maada Bio’s efforts in creating responsive and safer digital platforms for both formal and informal sectors, including the enactment of the Cyber Security Act of 2021. Patrick M. Gibrilla also noted the establishment of the National Cyber Security Coordination Centre as a key mechanism for addressing cyber-attacks nationwide.
“Digital safety is a national responsibility that transcends politics,” he emphasized, urging collective action to protect online systems.
The launch was moderated by Sheku Lamin Turay, Director of Parliamentary and Public Relations, who underscored the urgent need for comprehensive cybersecurity awareness and the enactment of data protection legislation. According to Sheku Lamin Turay, such measures will strengthen data protection and advance the goal of a digitally resilient Parliament and nation.
The event concluded with a shared call for proactive measures against cybercrime, reflecting Parliament’s commitment to safeguarding Sierra Leone’s digital landscape.
