Measures to nudge state actors to more responsible cyberspace activities form the central thrust of a recent research publication by Assistant Professor Dr. Jerome Uchenna Orji of the AUN School of Law.
“Rethinking the African Union Non-Aggression Treaty as a Framework for Promoting Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace” was published by the International Journal of Criminal Justice (IJCJ) hosted by the Korean Institute of Criminology.
Arising from the imperative to establish a governance structure for digital data and computer systems regulation and security, regional governments set up legal frameworks to promote cybersecurity activities.
According to Professor Orji, while African States have developed legal and policy frameworks to promote cybersecurity, there is a need to develop other critical components of cybersecurity governance as well, including technical and organizational measures and user education.
"The point is that 'stand-alone' criminal law measures will not be able to reduce the rising trends of cyber-criminality in Africa and that the timely development of other critical components of cybersecurity governance is imperative especially due to the peculiar challenge of weak law enforcement capacities and justice delivery systems in the many African States."
Professor Orji, who has published several scientific papers in respected peer-reviewed journals, concluded that "although the Pact in its present form can be broadly interpreted to promote responsible State behavior in cyberspace, the AU Peace and Security Council in the exercise of its mandate should nevertheless consider making updates to the Pact to reflect elements of cyber operations that can constitute State aggression and increase the needed awareness amongst the African States and regional institutions."
Please use this link to access the paper: http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3930007