Monrovia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called for concerted efforts of all Mano River Union states to consolidate the existence of the union.
By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
At a high-level meeting of ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Defense, and stakeholders of the Mano River region since 2017.
This, he said, has led to poor visibility and attention by the MRU Secretariat.
“Since 2017, no meeting has been held, and even ministerial meetings were hardly held. This led to poor visibility and attention by the MRU Secretariat,” President Boakai stressed.
Nevertheless, the shortcoming, he noted that the secretariat analyzed about holding a meeting in December 2023, aimed at reawakening the spirit of the MRU, but said the meeting was never held.
However, President Boakai noted that the constant engagement of the Secretariat by developing partners demonstrates the value and potential they see in the union’s existence.
Therefore, President Boakai emphasized the need for member states to demonstrate more commitment to the union.
At the meeting tagged, “Strengthening the MRU for a more coordinated regional response to emerging security and development challenges,” President Boakai noted that the dialogue serves as a platform for renewed growth and success of the MRU.
“We know our development challenges and the growing political and economic issues being faced. I’m therefore appealing to all of you, including our development partners, to be open and foresighted, during this celebration. Your kind suggestions will help us chart a new development course to fulfill our objectives through our Secretariat,” President Boakai added.
He encouraged member states of the MRU to uphold the commitment of the summit of heads of state and government of the MRU held in May 2008, which resolved that the MRU Secretariat be revived to pursue the mandate of the MRU.
The member states in that meeting also resolved to focus on restoring the Secretariat and ensuring peace and security.
At that meeting, two strategic plans were formulated, with a focus area serving as a pillar. Activities were undertaken, with partners to support development and restore the operational capacity of the secretariat.
This development focused on the provision of money and utilizing natural resources of the sub-region, as well as undertaking initiatives in support of agriculture productivity, facilitating trade and free movement along the border, supporting women, and improving health facilities in the border areas.