MONROVIA, Liberia – June 24, 2025 – In a landmark move towards greater regional stability and economic growth, the four Mano River Union (MRU) nations—Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Sierra Leone—have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to peaceful coexistence, regional integration, and transforming their shared borders into dynamic catalysts for cooperation rather than sources of conflict.
This significant agreement was formalized at a high-level Regional Conference on Border Governance, held in Monrovia from June 16–19, 2025. A key outcome of the conference was the joint launch of Joint Technical Commissions (JTCs). These commissions will be responsible for overseeing the crucial processes of reaffirming land boundaries and delimiting maritime borders, aiming to resolve long-standing territorial uncertainties.
The initiative, powerfully supported by the African Union Border Programme (AUBP) and the German Cooperation (GIZ), brought together over 100 participants. This diverse group included senior government officials, seasoned border experts, representatives from regional institutions, and vital development partners, all working collaboratively towards a shared vision.
For four intensive days, delegates engaged in strategic deliberations, focusing on developing joint roadmaps, addressing historical disputes, and adopting comprehensive frameworks for effective border governance. This event marks a critical milestone in the MRU’s broader aspiration to transform historically contested borders into zones of peace, development, and vibrant trade.
Liberia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Francis Sakila Nyumalin, Sr., underscored the profound shift in perspective during the closing ceremony. “This conference is a resounding confirmation of our shared vision for an Africa where borders unite rather than divide,” he stated. “We are no longer seeing borders as lines of separation but as bridges of cooperation.”
The delegations from all four nations lauded the strong fraternal ties that bind their countries. They collectively pledged to enhance peaceful cohabitation among border communities, strengthen overall border security, and build sustainable mechanisms for structured cooperation and ongoing dialogue. This renewed commitment is expected to foster greater trust, facilitate cross-border trade, and improve the lives of countless citizens living along these crucial frontiers, ultimately paving the way for a more integrated and prosperous Mano River Union region.
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