Africa-Press – Liberia. In a powerful demonstration of regional solidarity and political will, the four Mano River Union (MRU) nations—Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Sierra Leone—have renewed their commitment to peaceful coexistence, regional integration, and the transformation of borders into catalysts for cooperation rather than conflict.
This historic agreement was sealed at a high-level Regional Conference on Border Governance held from June 16–19, 2025, in Monrovia, where the countries jointly launched Joint Technical Commissions (JTCs) to oversee the reaffirmation of land boundaries and the delimitation of maritime borders.
The initiative, backed by the African Union Border Programme (AUBP) and the German Cooperation (GIZ), drew over 100 participants, including senior government officials, border experts, regional institutions, and development partners.
The event marked a significant milestone in the MRU’s broader vision of transforming contested borders into zones of peace, development, and trade. For four days, delegates engaged in strategic deliberations to develop joint roadmaps, address long-standing disputes, and adopt comprehensive frameworks for border governance.
“This conference is a resounding confirmation of our shared vision for an Africa where borders unite rather than divide,” declared Br. Sakila Nyumalin, Sr., Liberia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, during the closing ceremony. “We are no longer seeing borders as lines of separation but as bridges of cooperation.”
The delegations hailed the fraternal ties among the four countries and pledged to enhance peaceful cohabitation, strengthen border security, and build sustainable mechanisms for structured cooperation and dialogue.
In a special statement at the closing ceremony, Liberia’s Minister of Justice and Acting Chair of the Cabinet, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, hailed the conference as a landmark gathering driven by divine guidance and regional resolve.
“Three days ago, we gathered in this hall with divine guidance to address the critical issues of our land and maritime borders. Today, as we conclude this historic meeting, I thank the Almighty God for His wisdom and direction throughout our deliberations,” said Minister Tweh.
He recalled how, at the start of the conference, he emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges posed by unclear and porous borders—often exploited for illicit trade and trafficking—and expressed satisfaction that “substantial progress” had been made.
Tweh outlined five major accomplishments: the establishment of Joint Technical Commissions between Liberia and each of its neighbors; a renewed commitment to border security cooperation, particularly on tackling drug trade, trafficking, and arms smuggling; new economic initiatives to promote prosperity in border communities; frameworks for maritime cooperation in fisheries, surveillance, and environmental protection; and cross-border collaboration on climate change, deforestation, and natural resource management.
He stressed that one of the most significant outcomes was the agreement to resolve border disputes through diplomatic channels, transforming them into “opportunities for cooperation and development.”
The Justice Minister also praised the commitment to involve local communities and civil society organizations in border governance, which he said was critical to bridging implementation gaps and delivering real results to those living along the frontlines of national boundaries.
Tweh called on regional and international development partners, particularly GIZ and the German Government, to extend their support beyond 2026 to ensure full implementation of the agreements.
“To the MRU Secretariat, your role remains crucial in facilitating dialogue and cooperation among member states on both land and maritime border issues,” he said. “Liberia reaffirms its commitment to the established Joint Technical Commissions and the Secretariats in accordance with the Continental Border Program and Vision 2063 of the African Union.”
He urged institutions such as the Makona River Organization to step up engagement on border disputes, particularly between Guinea and Sierra Leone.
“The success of this conference will not be measured by the Communiqué alone,” Tweh emphasized, “but by the security and prosperity of our border communities, the effectiveness of joint border management, the growth in legitimate cross-border trade, the reduction in transnational crimes, and the sustainable management of our shared resources.”
He extended national gratitude to Ministers Francis Sakila Nyumalin and Sara Beysolow Nyanti, the Inter-Ministerial-Agencies Technical Team, and international partners including the AU, ECOWAS, MRU, and GIZ for their coordination and support in making the conference a reality.
“We stand at a pivotal moment in our shared history—one that challenges us to harness our collective strength to address the pressing issues of land and maritime borders,” Tweh concluded. “Our unity is our strength, and together, we can create a framework that not only resolves conflicts but also fosters prosperity and peace in the Mano River Union region.”
Among the major outcomes of the conference were the formation of Joint Technical Commissions (JTCs) for Côte d’Ivoire–Liberia, Guinea–Liberia, and Sierra Leone–Liberia. These commissions will lead demarcation, delimitation, or reaffirmation efforts for both land and maritime boundaries.
Development of country-specific roadmaps, including timelines and operational responsibilities for technical fieldwork.
Technical training programs for JTC members to enhance knowledge in boundary laws, mapping procedures, and best practices. Preparation and signing of bilateral agreements to formalize the mandate of each JTC.
Peaceful resolution of the Yenga border dispute, a long-standing issue between Liberia and Sierra Leone. Institutional review of national border governance structures, particularly in Liberia, and the creation of permanent border agencies where needed.
The conference issued a robust communiqué detailing clear and actionable commitments to guide future work. Key provisions include demonstrating high-level political will to drive JTC success.
Allocating adequate human, technical, and financial resources for border activities. Institutionalizing national border management agencies to ensure sustainability.
Community sensitization campaigns to promote local ownership and understanding of border initiatives. Strict adherence to project roadmaps and the publication of transparent progress reports.
Sharing demarcation documents via MRU platforms to ensure regional transparency. Strengthening synergy between national structures and the MRU Secretariat.
Improved public awareness and communication strategies around regional border issues. Expansion of MRU’s conflict resolution and early warning roles, including financial and logistical support for cross-border peacebuilding.
Support for the African Union Border Programme (AUBP) and regional ratification of key conventions such as the Niamey Convention and the AU Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism.
In addition, member states committed to sustaining support for border initiatives beyond June 2026, including resource-sharing strategies and technical cooperation across the region.
The conference concluded with the signing of the final communiqué by key representatives: Mr. Sakila Nyumalin, Sr. Liberia’s Minister of Internal Affairs; Ibrahima Bayo, Director General of Territorial Administration of Côte d’Ivoire; Mr. Bader Kaba, Advisor on Reform Monitoring from Guinea; and Francis Langumba Keili, Chief of Staff at the Office of National Security in Sierra Leone.
“This is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together in good faith,” said Keili, noting that the journey toward peaceful and cooperative borders begins with trust, mutual respect, and shared vision.
All delegations commended the Government and People of Liberia for their exceptional hospitality and logistical leadership in organizing the pivotal conference.
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