Liberia Speaker Of Parliament Speaks On Socio-Economic Benefits Of Establishing MRU Parliament

By Desmond Issac Macauley
The Speaker of Liberia Parliament Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon has addressed Members of the Sierra Leone Parliament and outlined the Socio-economic benefits of establishing the Mano Rive Union Parliamentary Body.
REMARKS BY HON. RICHARD NAGBE KOON, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA ON THE OCCASION OF HIS OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE.
Your Excellency,
The Right Honorable Segepoh Solomon Thomas,
Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Honorable Members of Parliament, Visiting members of Parliament,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is with great honour and a profound sense of brotherhood that I stand before you today on this special occasion of my official visit to the beautiful Republic of Sierra Leone.
Let me first express, on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia, and in my own name, our deepest gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to my delegation and me. This gracious welcome is a reflection of the enduring spirit of friendship that unites our two nations, sister republics bound not only by geography but by history, culture, and shared aspirations.
Liberia and Sierra Leone are more than neighbours. Our relationship is deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual aspirations for peace and development. Both nations have historically served as homes for ex-slaves from the Americas and people rescued from the transatlantic slave trade, giving rise to the Americo-Liberian and Krio communities that shaped the early political and
social landscapes of our respective countries.
We are co-founders of the Mano River Union, brothers in the cause of peace, and champions of a future shaped by cooperation. Our parliaments, as the voices of our people, must now lead with greater urgency to translate this unity into bold legislative actions that uplift the subregion.
The Mano River Union (MRU), founded in 1973, has served as a framework for cooperation among our countries: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire. Over the years, we have seen joint efforts in trade, peacebuilding, and regional development. However, the time has come to elevate our cooperation from executive dialogue to legislative coordination.
It is in this spirit that I affirm Liberia’s unwavering support for the establishment of a Mano River Union Parliamentary Body, a platform through which we can deepen regional cohesion, harmonize policy responses, and collectively tackle our common challenges, from youth empowerment and security to climate resilience and economic integration.
Particularly, our eyes are set on meeting the following objectives;
• Promote Harmonized Legislation,
• ⁠To align national laws on trade, security, education, and infrastructure to support regional integration.
• Strengthen Democratic Oversight: To ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of MRU projects.
• Facilitate Dialogue: To serve as a forum for conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and dialogue between peoples of our sub-region.
• Support Youth and Gender Inclusion: To champion cross-border policies for youth empowerment and gender equity.
• Environmental and Resource Governance: To collectively address climate change and sustainably manage shared natural resources.
• Presenting common legislative positions on regional issues: The proposed Mano River Union Parliamentary Body is not merely an institutional formality. It will be a strategic instrument designed to harness the collective strength of our legislatures and unify our voices e on matters that transcend borders.
This vision is not born in isolation. It echoes the fruitful dialogue | held earlier this year with His Excellency Adama Bictogo, Speaker of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire, who equally shares our conviction for a united MRU parliamentary front.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of West African politics, peace and stability remain the bedrock of our development. Liberia remains firmly committed to preserving democratic governance and regional security.
I call upon all MRU legislatures to champion conflict prevention mechanisms and to ensure robust parliamentary oversight in fostering peace across our borders.
In advancing economic development, we must move with equal resolve. Let us advocate for more seamless cross-border trade, invest in infrastructure, and leverage regional frameworks such as the ECOWAS Trade Policy and the AfCTA to unlock prosperity for our people.
Parliamentary diplomacy too, must take its rightful place in this new era. 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.
Distinguished colleagues, I would be remiss if I did not convey Liberia’s heartfelt appreciation for Sierra Leone’s continued diplomatic support, particularly in backing our candidacy for a Non-Permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council. This is a profound gesture of trust that we cherish deeply.
We stand today at a crossroad in regional history. Our people are interconnected by geography, history, and aspirations. They deserve a shared vision reflected not only in policies but in laws, debates, and institutions. Let us rise above our national boundaries and build a Parliament that reflects the voice of the Mano River people.
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.
Together, let us rise above borders, beyond barriers and build the legacy of unity our founding generations only dreamed of.
May God bless the Mano River Union, and may He bless our nations.
I thank you.