To Improve Land Governance:
Liberia, Sierra Leone Signed MoU
The Liberia Land Authority (LLA) on August 8, 2025, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sierra Leone’s National Land Commission (SLNLC).
The move, according to a release, aimed at strengthening regional collaboration for sustainable peace and security through the prevention of land disputes and conflicts for improved cross-border cooperation,
The exercise also came as Liberia works toward land reform through sustainable land governance, administration, and management.
Dr. Mahmoud Solomon, Commissioner, Land Administration, representing LLA Chairman Samuel F. Kpakio, praised his Sierra Leonean counterparts for their firm support to peace and security within the region.
On behalf of the Board of Commissioners and staff of the LLA, Dr. Solomon expressed thanks and appreciation to Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Liberia, Luseni Kallon, and Abubakarr Sappay-Foray Musa, Commissioner-General, National Land Commission of Sierra Leone, for the visit.
Solomon said that the MoU signed establishes a framework for effective land governance and sustainable land management, responsible land administration, and border management.
According to him, the MoU will enable the two institutions to strengthen land governance, promote responsible land administration, secure land rights, and enhance sustainable land management.
The MoU signed between the two institutions also aims to enhance capacity through various initiatives, including training, staff exchange programs,
These include staff training and exchange programs, support for institutional development and reform, peer learning, and knowledge sharing.
Additionally, the MoU will promote research and policy development, advocacy and outreach, and the use of technology and innovation in land administration.
This encompasses areas such as land registration, customary land governance, and land dispute resolution mechanisms.
The MoU establishes a framework for effective land management and border governance, crucial in an area where land rights and usage are often contested.
By delineating clear protocols and encouraging collaborative practices, this agreement seeks to promote responsible land use, protect shared resources, and enhance communication between Sierra Leone and Liberia.
The initiative aims not only to resolve existing conflicts, but also to foster significant partnerships that will contribute to lasting peace, stability and prosperity for both the countries.
The agreement, signed during a three-day working visit by the Sierra Leone delegation to Liberia, seeks to enhance collaboration between the two nations, promote sustainable development, and maintain peace along their shared borders. The visit focused on advancing land governance strategies to strengthen bilateral ties and foster unity between the neighboring states.
At the signing ceremony, Mr. Musa described the MoU as instrument representing a proactive step in addressing existing land disputes while putting in place measures to prevent future conflicts.
“This agreement underscores our mutual commitment to ensuring clear demarcations, protecting land rights, and promoting peace and economic stability for border communities,” he said.
“It opens the door for greater cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, trade, and environmental conservation.”
The LLA, established in 2017/18, under the Land Commission Law of 2016, was separated from the Ministry of Mines, Lands and Energy to function as an independent body responsible for the country’s entire land governance sector.
Kpakio noted that despite challenges during its formative years, the Authority has made significant progress in improving land administration.
“This MoU aligns with our shared vision to strengthen land governance, promote responsible land administration, secure land rights, and enhance sustainable land management in both countries,” Mr. Kpakio said.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Liberia, Luseni Kallon, who commended the initiative as a milestone in regional diplomacy and cooperation.
Officials from both sides expressed optimism that the agreement would serve as a model for cross-border land governance across the Mano River Union region, ensuring that land resources are managed equitably and disputes are resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.
The Sierra Leone delegation to the conference included: Abubakarr Sappay Foray Musa, Commissioner General, National Land Commission; Samuel Navo, Commissioner for Land Title Registration; Dr. Alfred Bockarie, Commissioner for Cadastre and Index Mapping; Abdul Kabba, Head of IT; and Amadu Kamara, District Land Commissioner, Bombali District.