Liberia Takes Center Stage in West African Fight Against Misinformation
Praia, Cabo Verde – Liberia has emerged as a key player in the regional effort to combat the escalating threat of misinformation and disinformation (MDM) across West Africa and the Sahel. The nation’s prominent role was solidified during the UNESCO-hosted Regional Conference on Information Integrity, held in Praia from September 3rd to 5th, 2025. This pivotal conference brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, academics, media experts, and civil society organizations, to forge a unified strategy against MDM and safeguard democratic processes, national security, and public trust in the increasingly complex digital landscape. Liberia’s active participation and leadership signaled its unwavering commitment to building resilience against the insidious effects of misinformation.
The Liberian delegation, led by Chief Information Officer Sheikh Sheriff of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, played a crucial role in shaping the conference’s outcomes. Sheriff’s dual appointments as Rapporteur for the conference and Moderator for a key stakeholder engagement session underscored Liberia’s growing influence in the realm of digital governance and information integrity. His leadership facilitated productive discussions and helped forge consensus on critical issues, contributing significantly to the conference’s success. Deputy Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism, Hon. Daniel Sando, further amplified Liberia’s voice on the regional stage. Representing the government on a high-level panel, Sando outlined Liberia’s national strategies to tackle disinformation, highlighting innovative approaches tailored to address the country’s specific challenges while simultaneously upholding the fundamental right to freedom of expression.
The conference also provided a platform for robust civil society engagement, with representatives from Liberia playing a prominent role. Mr. Taweh Johnson, Ms. Lorpu Page, and Ms. Esther Davis underscored the essential role of grassroots organizations in empowering local communities to identify and resist manipulative content. Their contributions emphasized the importance of citizen engagement and community-driven initiatives in combating the spread of misinformation at the local level. This inclusive approach, incorporating perspectives from both government and civil society, demonstrated Liberia’s commitment to a multi-faceted approach to tackling the complex issue of MDM.
The Regional Conference culminated in the adoption of comprehensive Final Recommendations, structured around six key pillars designed to provide a robust framework for regional cooperation and action. These pillars encompass multinational collaboration through the establishment of a new ECOWAS Regional Observatory on MDM; strengthened legal and governance frameworks; enhanced access to information and digital inclusion initiatives; robust media and digital literacy programs; effective electoral and crisis response systems; and strategic investments in economic and technological solutions to counter disinformation. These recommendations provide a roadmap for a coordinated regional response to the multifaceted challenge of MDM.
Liberia has pledged to integrate these regional recommendations into its national framework, fostering close collaboration between the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the Ministry of Information, and civil society partners. This integrated approach aims to strengthen Liberia’s information ecosystem, making it more inclusive, transparent, and resilient to the corrosive effects of misinformation. By aligning national strategies with regional recommendations, Liberia aims to create a more robust and effective defense against the spread of false and misleading information.
As Rapporteur, CIO Sheriff played a pivotal role in shaping the conference’s post-conference outcomes. This included developing a roadmap for implementing the ECOWAS-AES Protocol and establishing the Sahel States Observatory for the Fight Against Disinformation. These initiatives are crucial for enhancing cross-border collaboration, promoting accountability, and fostering a unified regional approach to combating MDM. Liberia’s active participation in these initiatives underscores its commitment to regional cooperation and its recognition of the transnational nature of the threat posed by misinformation. By working closely with regional partners, Liberia aims to strengthen collective defenses and create a more secure information environment across West Africa and the Sahel. The country’s commitment to these goals positions it as a leader in the fight for information integrity, dedicated to protecting democratic values, fostering peace, and promoting stability across the region. The fight against misinformation is not merely a technical challenge; it is a fundamental struggle to protect the integrity of democratic processes and ensure that citizens have access to accurate and reliable information. Liberia’s commitment to this cause signifies its dedication to the principles of transparency, accountability, and informed civic engagement.
