By: Haddy Touray
Seedy S.K. Njie, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, has said Africa is at the forefront of a digital revolution but warned that the continent is increasingly exposed to cyber threats that transcend borders, compromise critical infrastructure, and erode public trust.
Hon. Njie, who also chairs the Defence Committee of the National Assembly, made these remarks at the 8th Conference of the Network of African Parliamentarians Members of Defence and Security Committees (REPAM-CDS) held in Abuja, Nigeria, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
He told the forum that The Gambia, though relatively new in its digital transformation journey, has not been immune to such threats. In recent years, the country has recorded attempted cyber intrusions, phishing attacks, and vulnerabilities within government networks.
More concerning, he noted, is the rise of disinformation, especially during sensitive periods such as elections.
“In the 2021 presidential election, misinformation on social media threatened democratic stability and public order, underscoring the urgent need for legal safeguards, media literacy, and institutional readiness to counter information warfare,” he pointed out.
Despite these challenges, Hon. Njie stated that digital technology, when properly harnessed, can significantly strengthen national security architecture. He explained that through the E-Government Strategy 2020–2024, The Gambia has prioritised developing state digital infrastructure, inter-agency data exchange, and service automation to enhance transparency and accountability.
He highlighted the formation of the National Cybersecurity Committee, comprising all relevant security, intelligence, and ICT authorities, describing it as a step towards a whole-of-government approach to cyber defence.
Hon. Njie further disclosed that efforts are underway to operationalise the National Computer Security and Incident Response Team (CSIRT), which will soon provide real-time monitoring, early warning, and coordinated responses to national cyber threats.
He urged legislators to extend their mandate beyond policy adoption by crafting robust laws, allocating resources, and performing effective oversight.
He added that The Gambia has enacted the Information and Communications (Amendment) Act, which sets the foundation for digital governance and secure communications.
Currently, the Personal Data Protection and Cybercrime Bill is at the committee stage at the National Assembly. The Bill seeks to criminalise malicious cyber conduct, safeguard personal data, and regulate digital service providers.
He said this legislative process is informed by ECOWAS model laws and aligned with the Malabo Convention, to which The Gambia is a signatory.
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