In Memorium

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A Tribute from the West Africa Internet Governance Secretariat

The West Africa Internet Governance Secretariat announces with deep sorrow the passing of Muriel Alapini on 1 January 2026, in her 40th year. Muriel served the community with integrity, humility and a strong sense of responsibility. As Coordinator of the West Africa School on Internet Governance, she played a central role in strengthening regional capacity building and fostering inclusive, multistakeholder dialogue.
Beyond her coordination role, Muriel was an active volunteer in numerous Internet governance processes. She participated consistently in national, regional and global forums, including ICANN-related spaces, contributing her time, expertise and energy to the advancement of open, collaborative and people-centred Internet governance. Her engagement was driven by conviction rather than visibility, and by a deep belief in service to the community.
In the final weeks of her life, Muriel remained fully engaged in preparing the 2026 activities of the West Africa School on Internet Governance, including the planning of the next edition. Her leadership was quiet yet impactful, grounded in listening, precision and respect for others.

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Professional and community legacy

Muriel Alapini believed that Internet governance should be inclusive, accessible and rooted in local realities while remaining connected to global processes. Through her commitment, she helped shape learning spaces defined by rigor, care and openness, and supported the emergence of new voices within the community.
Her legacy endures in the programmes she helped strengthen, the networks she nurtured and the values she embodied in her daily work. She leaves behind a community that is stronger, more connected and deeply grateful.

She leaves behind a 14-year-old daughter, in her second year of high school at a vocational arts school, specializing in music. She has two years left to complete her baccalaureate exams.

Beyond the tribute we pay to him, we are faced with a deeply distressing reality: his daughter, Ylane, aged 14, is now orphaned. She is a sophomore at a vocational arts high school, where she specializes in music.

It is in this spirit that the IG community in Benin has decided to set up a solidarity fund. The funds raised are intended to support his daughter’s future and basic needs, providing her with practical assistance to help her get through this difficult time with greater peace of mind and to continue and complete her education in dignified and stable conditions. Every contribution, regardless of the amount, is a gesture of support, love, and continuity of the human commitment that unites us.

If you are unable to contribute financially, a message of support or sharing this fund is just as valuable.

For contributions in CFA francs: https://direct.kkiapay.me/13611/en-memoire-de-muriel-alapini-iIbIrXa8h

For all other currencies: https://www.leetchi.com/fr/c/en-memoire-de-muriel-alapini-et-pour-lavenir-de-sa-fille-8743863

Thank you all for your solidarity, kindness, and presence during this time of mourning.

In memory of our sister, and for Ylane’s future.

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Condolence Messages from the African Internet Community

This section brings together messages of condolence and remembrance from colleagues, partners and friends across Africa and the global Internet governance community. Each message reflects the impact Muriel had on our shared work and on our lives.

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Funeral Arrangements

• Tuesday, 6 January 2026, 20:00
• Prayer Vigil at Saint Anthony of Padua Church, Calavi
• Wednesday, 7 January 2026, 09:00
• Funeral Mass at Saint Anthony of Padua Church, Calavi
• The burial will take place in a private family ceremony in Adjagbo.

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In Remembrance

Muriel Alapini’s commitment to Internet governance in Africa and beyond will continue to guide and inspire our collective efforts. We honour her memory by carrying forward the values she stood for and by continuing the work she cared so deeply about.

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