Liberian senator calls for stronger cyber defenses, regional cooperation and respect for democratic freedoms
MONROVIA – Liberian Senator Momo Tarnue-Kollie Cyrus has called on African governments to strengthen cybersecurity as a core component of national security planning while safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights, privacy and democratic freedoms.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Cyrus, who chairs the Liberian Senate Committee on National Defense, Intelligence, Security and Veteran Affairs, made the call during a goodwill address at the International Cybersecurity Conference (ICSC) 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria.
The conference was held under the theme, “Cyber Resilience in the Age of AI: Defending Minds, Networks and Nations.”
AI creates new cybersecurity challenges across Africa
The senator warned that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is creating increasingly complex cybersecurity threats, including online fraud, identity impersonation, disinformation and attacks on critical infrastructure.
Citing figures from INTERPOL’s African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026, Cyrus said artificial intelligence was linked to 55 percent of reported cybercrime in Africa.
He added that losses associated with cybercrime had increased from US$192 million in 2024 to US$484 million, underscoring the growing financial impact of digital threats on the continent.
He urged African governments to invest in digital literacy, professional cybersecurity training, stronger institutions and effective incident-response systems to improve their ability to detect, prevent and respond to cyberattacks.
Cyrus also stressed the need to strengthen the protection of government databases, banks, hospitals, telecommunications networks and other essential services against increasingly sophisticated digital threats.
Liberia must strengthen implementation of cybersecurity laws
Reflecting on Liberia’s efforts to address cybercrime, Cyrus highlighted the Cybercrime Act of 2025 and the National Cyber Security Strategy for 2025–2029 as important frameworks for improving the country’s digital security.
However, he cautioned that the effectiveness of these measures would depend on their proper implementation, adequate funding and effective oversight.
The senator emphasized that cybersecurity must go beyond the adoption of laws and policies, calling for practical measures to ensure that institutions have the technical capacity, trained personnel and resources needed to protect digital systems and respond to emerging threats.
Cybersecurity enforcement must respect fundamental rights
Cyrus also stressed that efforts to combat cybercrime must not undermine the fundamental rights of citizens, particularly the rights to privacy, due process and freedom of expression.
He warned against the misuse of anti-disinformation measures to silence lawful opinions, emphasizing that national security objectives must be pursued without weakening democratic principles.
“Protecting national security and protecting fundamental rights are not competing objectives,” he said.
The senator maintained that African governments must strike a balance between protecting their digital infrastructure and ensuring that cybersecurity measures are not used to restrict legitimate public debate or violate citizens’ rights.
Cyrus calls for stronger African cybersecurity cooperation
Recognizing the cross-border nature of cybercrime, Cyrus urged African countries to strengthen cooperation through regional and continental institutions, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU).
He also called for greater collaboration within international frameworks addressing cybercrime and data protection, noting the importance of information-sharing and coordinated responses to digital threats that extend beyond national borders.
Cyrus specifically encouraged Liberia and Nigeria to expand technical cooperation, professional training and intelligence-sharing to strengthen their capacity to prevent and respond to cyberattacks.
He said closer collaboration between the two countries could help build stronger cybersecurity institutions and improve preparedness against emerging digital risks.
Senator urges Africa to turn commitments into action
Concluding his address, Cyrus challenged African governments to translate cybersecurity commitments into practical and measurable action, stressing that technological advancement must contribute to national security without undermining citizens’ rights or democratic institutions.
He underscored the importance of building resilient digital systems capable of responding to evolving threats while preserving the freedoms and democratic values that underpin accountable governance.
His remarks highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity in Africa’s national security agenda as governments, businesses and citizens become increasingly dependent on digital technologies.
