By Joseph Momoh, DS
The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International, CHRDI, has secured a White House cybersecurity official to train Sierra Leonean journalists and human rights defenders on digital privacy and data protection.
Dylan Presman, Director for Budget and Assessment at the U.S. White House Office of the National Cyber Director, will arrive in Freetown at the end of June 2026 for a two-week placement under the Fulbright Specialist Program.
He will work with CHRDI to develop and deliver a “Privacy and Personal Data Protection in Sierra Leone Advocacy Toolkit.” The toolkit will be paired with training sessions designed to equip local stakeholders with practical skills to defend citizens’ digital rights.
CHRDI said the initiative targets rising cybersecurity and data governance challenges in Sierra Leone as more citizens go online.
Presman brings more than 25 years of senior experience in U.S. federal cybersecurity. Since 2021, he has shaped cybersecurity budgets across U.S. federal agencies and leads the ONCD Quantum Working Group. He also represents the United States in international cybersecurity policy talks.
Between 2017 and 2021, he served as Budget Director at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, CISA. During that period he grew CISA’s budget from $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion and expanded its budget team from 7 to 48 staff.
CHRDI’s Chief Executive said the collaboration comes at a critical time. He noted that CHRDI’s recent Citizens Opinion Poll showed accountability is key to public trust in institutions.
“CHRDI is honored to host Mr. Presman through the Fulbright Specialist Program. His expertise in cybersecurity policy and accountable governance will directly strengthen our advocacy for data protection and digital rights in Sierra Leone,” the Chief Executive said.
The two-week engagement is expected to build capacity for journalists, rights defenders, and institutions while advancing privacy and responsible digital governance in the country.
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