Mohamed Laghdaf
A Call for Sub-Regional Digital Integration
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Mohamed Laghdaf is a 22-years old certified software engineer from BlueCrest College, where he obtained a diploma in software engineering. He also holds a diploma with distinction in Peace and Conflict Studies and a BSc (Hons) in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Sierra Leone. Currently, he is in the final stage of pursuing an LL.B alongside an LL.M (Master of Laws) simultaneously, with a particular interest in technology law.
Professionally, Mohamed Laghdaf is an academia, aspiring to become a global expert in AI accountability and liability frameworks. In 2024, he serves as the director of the FALAS Human Rights Student Wing at the Republic of Sierra Leone. In October 2025, he serves as a keynote speaker in Liberia and has also been invited to Kigali for a subsequent session in October 2026. Additionally, he is the president of the Njala Association of Law Mooters. He is fluent in English and Arabic and a beginner in Spanish.
Mohamed's professional memberships include being a Rotarian at the Rotary Club of Freetown Peninsula, a young student member at the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (England), and an honorary member of the Honours Society (USA).
His currently trying to obtain a license from the Chartered Institute of Professional Security Studies in AI governance and risk management. He is also a PhD applicant at the University of Canberra, Australia, focusing his research on "Assessing the Concept of Legal Personhood in the Age of Artificial Intelligence."
In summary, Mohamed Laghdaf is an emerging international legal scholar dedicated to integrate law, technology, and conflict resolution, with the aim of promoting a better global policy framework.
Area of Expertise
Topics
Strengthening ECOWAS Integration in Addressing AI-Driven Misinformation and Cyberbullying.
The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly influenced the digital landscape, particularly in West Africa. Within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), member states face growing challenges in tackling cross-border digital harms that undermine the peace and stability of nations. Despite the existence of national laws, the integration of regional security measures to combat cybercrimes is hindered by a lack of regulatory frameworks and weak enforcement mechanisms.
For instance, the proliferation of fake videos and images involving Ibrahim Taore has created tensions among citizens. With some individuals interpreting these videos as a call to overthrow democratic leaders in their countries. A notable incident occurred in Sierra Leone when a minister was attacked after he publicly labeled some of Taore's videos as fake.
Moreover, my experiences living and traveling across some countries in West Africa highlight the urgent need to discuss this issue, especially given the growing number of bloggers and digital platform users in the region. The media landscape has evolved to the point where anyone can publish their opinions online. A good example of this is the case of Adebayo and the riots in August 2023 and November 2024.
This discussion will emphasize the need to strengthen sub-regional integration to address misinformation and cyberbullying among member states, while safeguarding digital rights. We will explore the tensions that misinformation has caused within member states and how these tensions have been fueled in neighboring countries. Additionally, we will examine the strengths and weaknesses of ECOWAS in addressing these challenges.
The overall aim of this topic is to raise awareness and urge the regional body to develop strict measures to combat misinformation and cyberbullying in the digital realm for its member states. Further provides recommendations to achieve this goal. While, also upholding Article 19 of the UDHR.
Mohamed Laghdaf
A Call for Sub-Regional Digital Integration
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