This convention entered into force in June 2023, nine years after its adoption by the African Union in 2014. During the council of ministers of October 17, 2024, the government was authorized to ratify the African Union Convention ( AU) on cybersecurity and the protection of personal data known as the Malabo Convention.
« Gabon‘s accession to this so-called Malabo Convention will make it possible to strengthen the national legal framework and benefit from cooperation with other member states, particularly in terms of electronic transactions, cyber security and the fight against cybercrime. », We can read in the press release published at the end of the council of ministers.
This convention was adopted at a summit in Malabo, in the Equatorial Guinean capital in 2014, but it did not come into force until June 2024 with the fifteen signatures required. Its objective was to “ strengthen and harmonize the current legislation of Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in terms of ICT “, with respect for fundamental freedoms and human and peoples’ rights. It also aims to create “ an appropriate normative framework corresponding to the African legal, cultural, economic and social environment » and emphasizes that the protection of personal data and privacy is a “ major challenge of the information society ».
Gabon will ratify this convention in a context where the authorities are working to improve the fight against cybercrime. It is in this context that the National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data (CNPDCP) decided in 2021 to intensify control and compliance operations with public and private entities which collect, process and use personal data. personal data throughout the national territory.
Despite measures taken, Gabon is classified among the least advanced countries in terms of cybersecurity, according to the “Global Security Index 2024» of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). According to this organization, the country still has shortcomings in terms of organization, capacity development, cooperation and technical measures. Even if it has a legislative framework favorable to cybersecurity.
Martine Ondo
2024-10-18 22:55:00
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