Monrovia, Liberia-Representatives from Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, have convened in Monrovia to commence discussions on establishing joint technical commissions on the reaffirmation of land borders and the delimitation of maritime boundaries among the four West African nations.
By Francis G. Boayue
The meeting, hosted by Liberia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, brought together heads of state and delegates from the Mano River Union (MRU) member countries. The four-day program is scheduled to run from June 16 to June 19, 2025.
In his opening remarks, Liberia’s Internal Affairs Minister, Hon. F. Sakila Nyumalin, Sr, emphasized the MRU’s historical role as a facilitator of regional peace and development since its inception in 1973.
He said the creation of the joint technical commissions is expected to pave the way for detailed geospatial assessments, and the formulation of new demarcation protocols in line with international law and African standards.
Minister Nyumalin urged MRU member countries to prioritize and maintain peace within the sub-region.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to partners, specifically mentioning GIZ, and the participating MRU member states.
Speaking on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai during the opening session at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, Liberia’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, lauded the initiative as a “landmark step toward advancing regional integration, improving cross-border security, and promoting sustainable development across the Mano River basin.”
According to Cllr. Tweh, the initiative underscores the MRU’s commitment to resolving long-standing border disputes through dialogue, technical cooperation, and legal clarity.
Also speaking, the Deputy Secretary General for Peace, Security, Good Governance and Social Affairs of the MRU, Madam Ange Konan Monu, highlighted that the meeting is crucial for reinforcing integrated border governance and fostering cooperation among member states, building on the 2020 African Union decision.
She emphasized that despite progress, challenges like porous borders and staff shortages persist, necessitating political will and action to transform borders into tools for integration and peaceful coexistence within the sub-region.
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