By Amin Kef (Ranger)
A landmark address delivered on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in the Chamber of the Sierra Leone Parliament saw the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia, Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, highlight the socio-economic and political benefits of establishing a Mano River Union (MRU) Parliamentary Body.
The high-level visit, marked by expressions of regional solidarity and mutual aspirations, brought together Sierra Leonean lawmakers, visiting Indian parliamentarians and distinguished guests in what many have hailed as a renewed commitment to deepening sub-regional legislative cooperation.
Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Liberian Government and people for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation, noting that the gesture reflected the enduring bonds of friendship between Liberia and Sierra Leone; two sister nations united by shared history, geography and a common destiny.
“Our countries are more than neighbours. We are co-founders of the Mano River Union, brothers in the cause of peace and champions of a future shaped by cooperation,” Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon emphasized, calling on West African Parliaments to lead with urgency in transforming regional unity into bold legislative action.
The Mano River Union (MRU), originally founded in 1973, comprises Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire. It has historically functioned as a platform for executive cooperation on trade, peacebuilding and regional development. However, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon asserted that the time has come to expand that cooperation to the legislative arm of Government.
He formally declared Liberia’s strong support for the establishment of an MRU Parliamentary Body; an institutional framework aimed at advancing policy harmonization, conflict resolution and regional development.
Highlighting key objectives of the proposed MRU Parliamentary Body, the Speaker stated that its goals would include:
- Promoting Harmonized Legislation: Aligning national laws on trade, education, infrastructure and security to support regional integration.
- Strengthening Democratic Oversight: Ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of MRU projects and programs.
- Facilitating Dialogue: Creating a forum for conflict prevention, peacebuilding and intercultural exchange across the sub-region.
- Championing Youth and Gender Inclusion: Advocating cross-border policies that empower youth and promote gender equity.
- Environmental and Resource Governance: Jointly addressing climate change and sustainably managing shared natural resources.
- Presenting Common Legislative Positions: Uniting voices in matters of regional interest and creating a strong legislative front for the sub-region.
He noted that the vision of an MRU Parliamentary Body is not an isolated aspiration but is shared by key leaders across the region. He referenced a previous meeting with His Excellency Adama Bictogo, Speaker of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire, who also expressed support for a unified parliamentary platform.
“Let our engagements be frequent, our voices united and our efforts guided by the desire to bring hope, opportunity and dignity to every citizen of the Mano River Basin,” Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon said, urging greater commitment to parliamentary diplomacy.
He further emphasized the importance of peace and stability as the foundation for regional development, calling on all MRU legislatures to champion conflict prevention and promote democratic governance.
Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon also took the opportunity to thank the Government of Sierra Leone for its diplomatic backing of Liberia’s bid for a Non-Permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council, describing it as “a profound gesture of trust.”
In closing, he urged legislators to rise above national interests and establish a united parliamentary voice that reflects the shared hopes and aspirations of the people of the Mano River Union.
“As we look to the future, let us craft a shared vision of a Mano River Union that is inclusive, peaceful and resilient; of a West Africa where parliamentary leadership becomes a catalyst for transformation,” he concluded.
The address was met with resounding applause and is widely seen as a pivotal moment in efforts to reinforce regional integration through legislative cooperation.
