The Mano River Union Internet Governance Forum (MRU IGF) expresses grave concern over the widespread disruption of internet service in the MRU region countries, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Guinea. The recent outage has severely impacted millions of citizens, disrupting vital communication channels and hindering economic activities across the region.
As a platform dedicated to addressing critical issues related to internet governance and digital technology, the MRU IGF emphasizes the fundamental importance of uninterrupted internet access for social, economic, and political development. The internet serves as a lifeline for businesses, governments, educational institutions, and individuals, facilitating communication, commerce, education, and access to essential services. The disruption of internet service in the MRU region has had far-reaching consequences, leading to significant disruptions in business operations, financial transactions, e-commerce activities, and access to critical information and services. This outage has not only caused inconvenience but has also resulted in substantial financial losses for businesses and individuals alike.
The MRU IGF acknowledges the restoration of internet services following the widespread disruption experienced in the MRU region. While we appreciate the efforts made to address the issue promptly, it is crucial to recognize the need for sustainable measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. In light of this, the MRU IGF calls upon the national regulators and other allied ministries to take proactive steps to ensure the resilience of our digital infrastructure. This includes implementing robust monitoring mechanisms to detect and address potential vulnerabilities, investing in redundancy and backup systems to mitigate the impact of future disruptions, and collaborating closely with mobile network operators and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive contingency plans.
It is essential that they work closely with operators to establish clear protocols for incident response and communication to minimize disruption and ensure timely restoration of services. By taking proactive measures to enhance the resilience of our digital infrastructure, we can better safeguard the continuity of internet connectivity and ensure that citizens have access to the essential services and information they rely on in an increasingly interconnected world.
Peterking Quaye, Regional Convener of the MRU IGF, underscores the urgent need for swift action by regulators and allied ministries in the MRU region to address the root causes of these internet disruptions and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. Quaye emphasizes, “Access to a reliable and resilient internet infrastructure is crucial for driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and promoting digital inclusion in the MRU region. We call upon regulators and policymakers to prioritize the stability and security of internet connectivity to ensure the uninterrupted flow of information and services to citizens.”
The MRU IGF remains committed to advocating for policies and initiatives that promote universal access to affordable and reliable internet services in the Mano River Union countries. Through collaborative efforts with governments, regulatory bodies, private sector stakeholders, civil society organizations, and the technical community, the MRU IGF aims to address the challenges facing the digital ecosystem and harness the transformative power of the internet for the benefit of all citizens in the region.
