By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a landmark visit underscoring the importance of regional unity, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone warmly welcomed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. of Liberia at State House, Freetown. The bilateral meeting, held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, focused on deepening cooperation between the two nations and advancing sustainable development across the Mano River Union (MRU) region.
Describing President Boakai as a “big brother,” President Bio congratulated him on his election victory and praised the trust the Liberian people have bestowed upon him. He highlighted the cultural and historical ties between Sierra Leone and Liberia and emphasized opportunities for enhanced economic collaboration, particularly in trade and agriculture.
“Sierra Leone and Liberia, as neighbors with open borders, have a unique opportunity to lead in strengthening sub-regional cooperation, particularly in border security,” President Bio remarked. He also commended Liberia for its unwavering support during Sierra Leone’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
President Bio outlined Sierra Leone’s progress in human capital development, gender empowerment and economic growth, proposing inter-ministerial exchanges to foster collaboration. He also lauded President Boakai’s prioritization of agriculture, aligning it with Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone Initiative, which promotes sustainable farming to achieve food security, create jobs and reduce poverty.
In response, President Boakai expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and commended the remarkable strides of the Bio administration. “I chose to travel by road to witness firsthand the improved road networks connecting our sub-regional communities,” he said, acknowledging the longstanding ties between Liberia and Sierra Leone.
“The peace in Sierra Leone is peace in Liberia,” President Boakai emphasized, reaffirming the need for peaceful coexistence to achieve regional prosperity. He also recognized the transformative potential of the Feed Salone Initiative to enhance food security and economic growth across the MRU.
Following their discussions, the two leaders issued a joint communiqué outlining their commitment to:
– Strengthen sub-regional unity and collaboration to combat hunger and unemployment.
– Support peaceful democratic transitions in the MRU and ECOWAS regions.
– Foster cross-border cooperation to promote cultural diversity, economic growth and harmonious coexistence.
The communiqué also included plans for strategic agricultural partnerships to utilize fertile lands in both nations for sustainable development.
In a Press Briefing, Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madame Sara Beysolow Nyanti and Sierra Leone’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Francess Piagie Alghali, elaborated on the outcomes of the bilateral talks.
Madame Sara Beysolow Nyanti highlighted the shared vision of the two administrations: “Our Governments are united in prioritizing agriculture and trade as key drivers of development. This partnership represents a turning point for regional integration.”
Francess Piagie Alghali underscored the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation to address security and economic challenges. “Through strengthened bilateral relations, we are paving the way for a peaceful and prosperous future for our people,” she said.
At the continental level, President Boakai commended Sierra Leone’s leadership on the United Nations Security Council and its advocacy for UN reforms through the African Union Committee of Ten (C10). President Bio, in turn, applauded Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for 2026-2027, recognizing its potential to contribute to peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
The meeting concluded with President Boakai expressing heartfelt gratitude to President Bio for the warm welcome and productive discussions. “This visit marks a new chapter in the partnership between our two nations,” he stated.
This historic engagement between Presidents Bio and Boakai not only reinforces the bond between Sierra Leone and Liberia but also sets a strong foundation for sustainable development, peace and unity in West Africa.
