The Mano River Union (MRU) countries held a high-level meeting on Sunday, July 21—22, 2024, bringing together Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Defense, and other key stakeholders to establish a unified approach to regional challenges. The MRU, comprising Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, aims to promote economic integration, peace, and development within the region. Held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, the meeting is themed “Strengthening the MRU for a More Coordinated Regional Response to Emerging Security and Development Challenges.” Ambassador Simeon Moriba, Secretary General of the MRU, emphasized the significance of these sessions in shaping the Secretariat’s agenda and providing strategic direction.

Key Thematic Issues

Conflict Resolution Strategies: Ambassador Moriba highlighted the importance of developing robust mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution to ensure sustainable peace and security in the region, which has a history of various conflicts.

ECOWAS Biometric ID Cards: The introduction of ECOWAS biometric ID cards aims to enhance regional integration by facilitating the free movement of citizens across the four MRU countries. Ambassador Moriba stated, “This initiative will ease cross-border travel, foster economic cooperation, and improve tracking and management of population movements, thereby enhancing overall security and governance.”

ECO Currency: The proposed ECO currency is expected to boost economic activities by establishing a common currency for the region. Ambassador Moriba noted, “A unified currency will streamline transactions, reduce exchange rate volatility, and promote economic stability.”

Collaborative Efforts and Strategic Planning

The meeting aims to foster a collaborative environment where ministers and stakeholders can engage in in-depth discussions, share insights, and develop actionable strategies. Ambassador Moriba expressed confidence that the outcomes of the meeting will pave the way for significant advancements in regional cooperation and development.

In his keynote address, President Joseph N. Boakai underscored the need for fair economic cooperation and sectoral development, particularly in agriculture, maritime, forestry, customs, and telecommunications, which have suffered due to prolonged conflicts. He urged member states to recommit to the MRU objectives established 51 years ago by Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti thanked President Boakai for his unwavering commitment to the union and praised the partners who have supported the MRU. She emphasized the need for strong financial support and partnership for development.

The conference commenced with a technical meeting of experts who deliberated on issues of peace, security, free movement, and the ECO currency, and addressed the following:

- Strengthening the MRU Secretariat and increasing Member States' contributions.

- Implementing the ECOWAS framework on free movement of trade.

- Utilizing the ECOWAS biometric ID card as a legal travel document within the MRU sub-region.

- Developing conflict resolution strategies to ensure peace and stability.

- Pilot testing the ECO currency in MRU Member States.

The High-Level Meeting featured remarks from Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Defense, and other stakeholders, with an opening address delivered by President Boakai. H.E. Amb. Mohammed Methqal, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation, delivered a special message from H.E. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco, expressing support for the MRU's initiatives.

Resolutions and Recommendations

The High-Level Meeting adopted several key resolutions, including:

1. Strengthening the MRU Secretariat and increasing Member States' contributions.

2. Ensuring the availability and functionality of ECOWAS biometric ID cards at various border points, free of charge for the first two years.

3. Assessing the readiness of MRU countries for the ECO currency.

4. Conducting regular joint military exercises to enhance interoperability and readiness among MRU countries.

5. Implementing coordinated border control measures and advanced surveillance technologies.

6. Developing a regional early warning system and centralized intelligence sharing.

7. Establishing an MRU elections observer team to prevent electoral violence.

8. Strengthening the implementation of MRU protocols and Secretariat accountability.

9. Holding a Heads of State Summit before the end of 2024 to address emerging issues and review the location of the MRU Secretariat headquarters.

The meeting concluded with profound thanks to President Joseph N. Boakai and the Liberian government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed by Madame Sara Beysolow Nyanti, for their excellent coordination and hosting of the Mano River Union Dialogue.