‘Fight Cyber Threats’

Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) Chairperson Clarence K. Massaquoi, has called for stronger regional cooperation among Mano River Union (MRU) countries.

Massaquoi urged member countries to unit and confront cross-border cybersecurity threats, expand digital connectivity, and build a resilient digital ecosystem in the sub-region.

He wants Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and La Côte d’Ivoire to must move beyond isolated national approaches, and develop coordinated responses to emerging digital threats.

He noted that the interconnected nature of cyberspace makes regional cooperation essential.

Massaquoi made the call on Tuesday, September 22, in the climax of the two-day MRU Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF) 2026. The ceremony was held at the Liberia Learning Center in Paynesville from Monday, September 21–22 under the theme: “Building an Inclusive, Secure and Resilient Digital Future for the Mano River Union Region.”

The forum brought together policymakers, parliamentarians, technology experts, and civil society actors from the four MRU countries.

The participants examined and shared digital governance challenges and opportunities.

Massaquoi said, the countries’ longstanding historical, cultural and social ties provide a strong foundation for deeper cooperation in the digital sector, particularly as education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce, and public services increasingly depend on digital platforms.

“No one country, no single MRU country can achieve this alone.”

He meanwhile, called on telecommunications regulators, and policymakers in the region to harmonize digital policies, strengthen mechanisms to combat cross-border cybercrime, and develop joint strategies to protect critical digital infrastructure.

While Artificial Intelligence (AI) could transform sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education, Massaquoi urged head of MRU governments to establish balanced regulatory frameworks that will address risks involving misinformation, bias, data protection, and potential employment disruptions without stifling innovation.