By Pewu Y. Sumo
PAYNESVILLE, Liberia — Sierra Leonean Member of Parliament, Hon. Mariama Bangura, has called on lawmakers across the Mano River Union (MRU) to champion human-centered policies and break down digital barriers to ensure no citizen is left behind in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
Speaking Monday at the opening of the Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF) 2026 in Paynesville, held under the theme “Building an Inclusive, Secure, and Resilient Future for the MRU Region,” Hon. Bangura emphasized that parliamentarians hold a primary responsibility to turn digital opportunities into tangible, daily realities for ordinary citizens.
Addressing delegates, tech policy experts, and regional leaders gathered for the two-day forum running from September 21–22, Hon. Bangura outlined strategic priorities imperative for shaping the sub-region’s digital landscape.
The Sierra Leonean lawmaker stressed the urgent need for inclusive policies and universal access, warning that the digital future cannot be built for a selective few. She noted that if a child in a rural village or a woman in a local market lacks access to affordable, reliable internet, the sub-region’s digital ecosystem remains incomplete. She urged MRU lawmakers to expand infrastructure so that internet access is treated as a fundamental right rather than a privilege.
However, she cautioned that as more citizens transition online, strong legal frameworks surrounding privacy, data security, and defense against cyber harassment and fraud must be prioritized—with specific emphasis on safeguarding women and children.
“Rights that exist offline must be equally respected and enforced online,” Hon. Bangura stated.
Highlighting West Africa’s vibrant young population, she advocated for direct investments in digital skills training, funding, and participation platforms, noting that empowering women and youth with digital tools is essential to unlocking broader economic growth across entire communities.
Turning to emerging technologies, Hon. Bangura emphasized that MRU member states cannot act in isolation. She called for harmonized sub-regional policies to ensure AI literacy and digital learning are brought directly to the doorsteps and classrooms of every citizen.
While acknowledging existing infrastructural and socio-economic challenges within the sub-region, Hon. Bangura urged stakeholders to view the forum as a launching pad for long-term action.
“The Mano River Union must embrace the digital world,” she concluded. “We must bring our people into the fold and make digital and AI learning accessible and easy… This will serve as another stepping stone to change this region and bring life to our communities.”
The MRU Internet Governance Forum 2026 has brought together policymakers, tech leaders, youth delegates, and digital stakeholders from Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire to shape the sub-region’s digital future.
