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The Speaker of the House of Representatives of Liberia, Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, during an official visit to Sierra Leone, called on Sierra Leonean parliamentarians to support the establishment of a Mano River Union (MRU) Parliamentary Body.
His address emphasised the potential socio-economic benefits of greater legislative cooperation among member countries, which include Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.
In his speech to the Sierra Leone Parliament, Koon expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He stressed on the deep-rooted connections between the two nations, stating, “Liberia and Sierra Leone are more than neighbours. Our relationship is deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual aspirations for peace and development.”
Koon outlined the historical context of the MRU, established in 1973, which has facilitated collaboration in trade and regional development. He argued that it is essential to transition from executive dialogue to legislative coordination. “The time has come to elevate our cooperation from executive dialogue to legislative coordination,” he asserted.
The Speaker proposed several objectives for the MRU Parliamentary Body, include:
Harmonized Legislation: Aligning national laws on trade, security, education, and infrastructure.
Strengthening Democratic Oversight: Ensuring transparency and accountability in MRU project implementation.
Facilitating Dialogue: Establishing a forum for conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
Supporting Youth and Gender Inclusion: Advocating for policies that empower youth and promote gender equity.
Environmental Governance: Addressing climate change and managing shared natural resources sustainably.
Koon reiterated that the proposed parliamentary body would serve as a strategic instrument to unify legislative voices on cross-border issues. He referenced discussions with His Excellency Adama Bictogo, Speaker of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire, who shares the vision for a united MRU parliamentary front.
Calling for collective action, Koon urged MRU legislatures to prioritize peace and stability in the region and advocate for improved cross-border trade and infrastructure investment. He also thanked Sierra Leone for its diplomatic support of Liberia’s candidacy for a Non-Permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council.
“As we look to the future, let us craft a shared vision of a Mano River Union that is inclusive, peaceful, and resilient,” Koon concluded, encouraging collaboration among member states to build a legacy of unity for future generations.
