MRU Countries Sign Protocols
By Fiona Benson
Speakers of the Mano River Union (MRU) Parliament have signed a joint protocol formally establishing the Union’s Parliamentary Body (MRUPB).
The ceremony, which was a significant step to deepen regional legislative collaboration, was initiated by the speakers from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and La Côte d’Ivoire.
The signing and official launch was held on Sunday, July 202025, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, outside Monrovia, under the theme: “Toward a Regional Parliament for Integration, Peace, and Development.”
The historic event was hosted by the Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon of Liberia’s House of Representatives, while his counterparts, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, Speaker of Parliament from Sierra Leone, Dr. Dansa Kourouma, Speaker from the Transitional Parliament of Guinea and Adama Bictogo of La Cote d’ivoire National Assembly.
Other high-level parliamentary delegations and the President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, attended the well-organized program.
In his keynote remark, Speaker Koon declared the establishment of the MRUPB as a new era of regional solidarity, emphasizing the critical role of parliaments in driving peace, resilience, and people-centered development across the MRU region.
“Today, we reaffirm our shared destiny and collective responsibility to build a region that is more united, more resilient, and more responsive to the needs of our people,” Speaker Koon said.
Koon meanwhile, called for institutional synergy and consistent legislative engagement to ensure the MRU achieves its full potential.
The Mano River Union Parliamentary Body, is envisioned as a legislative forum to harmonize laws, address cross-border challenges, and craft joint policy responses in key areas such as trade and economic cooperation.
Other areas are climate change and environmental protection, regional peace and security, human development, gender equality and empowerment.
“This Parliamentary Body is a critical institutional bridge that will allow us to approach our regional challenges not in isolation, but with a unified legislative voice, which will be consistent, coherent, and committed to the well-being of all our citizens,” Speaker Koon affirmed.
He outlined five legislative priorities for the MRUPB, including the promotion of regional unity through legislative action, combating smuggling and illicit trade, advancing environmental protection, enhancing regional trade, and mainstreaming gender in all legislative efforts.
Koon also described gender equality as both a moral and economic necessity, thus reinforcing his commitment with “He For She” slogan, which he chanted, advocating for women’s empowerment to be at the heart of the regional legislative agenda.
He then called for full operation of the MRUPB, urging member states to commit resources and active participation in building a strong, effective regional institution.
He expressed gratitude to international partners, including ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, and development organizations for their technical and diplomatic support to realize the MRUPB.
“Let us rise, together, as one regional voice for peace, development and dignity,” Speaker Koon declared, adding: “Let this new parliamentary body be a living, breathing institution of action and integrity.”
The MRUPB will serve as a platform for drafting model laws, coordinating regional policy, and amplifying the voices of citizens across the four MRU countries.
It marks a bold step toward a fully institutionalized regional parliament, bridging national legislatures for stronger and collective governance.
In his statement, Speaker Thomas, reaffirmed his country’s full support for the establishment and long-term success of the MRUPB.