Sierra Leone has taken a significant step towards strengthening its cybersecurity measures by acceding to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.

The Embassy of Sierra Leone in Brussels officially deposited the instrument of accession on April 19th, 2024.

This international treaty, also known as the Convention on Cybercrime (ETS 185), is a cornerstone of global efforts to combat cybercrime. It establishes a legal framework for cooperation between member states in investigating and prosecuting cybercrime offenses, including illegal access to computer systems, data forgery, and child sexual abuse online.

Sierra Leone’s accession brings the total number of parties to the Convention to 71. Additionally, two countries have signed the Convention but not yet ratified it, and 20 others have been invited to accede.

The Council of Europe, which developed the Convention, welcomes Sierra Leone’s commitment to fighting cybercrime. They will continue to collaborate with Sierra Leonean authorities to ensure the successful implementation of the Convention.

This collaboration may involve providing technical assistance, training law enforcement and judicial personnel, and facilitating the exchange of information between member states.