By Fatima Kpaka
In a historic move aimed at deepening regional integration, the Speakers of the Mano River Union (MRU) Member States have officially launched the Mano River Union Parliament, following the Monrovia Declaration on 20 July 2025.
The declaration brought together the Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas of Sierra Leone, Rt. Hon. Richard Ngbabe Koon of Liberia, Rt. Hon. Adama Bictogo of Côte d’Ivoire, and Rt. Hon. Dr. Dansa Kourouma of Guinea. Meeting in Monrovia, Liberia, the four leaders endorsed the creation of a structured regional legislative body to confront shared challenges across borders.
Speaker Thomas described the initiative as “visionary and timely,” emphasizing that the MRU nations face intertwined struggles—youth unemployment, fragile security, climate threats, and trade barriers—that demand collective legislative responses. He pledged Sierra Leone’s commitment, saying the country stands ready to collaborate politically, legislatively, and administratively.
The new parliament will feature proportional representation from each member state, with delegations reflecting gender and political diversity. Legislators will serve four-year terms and will be empowered to propose MRU laws, oversee projects, engage in regional forums, and advance accountability and electoral transparency.
Key objectives include:
– Harmonized laws across member states
– Democratic oversight of regional policies
– Promotion of youth and gender inclusion
– Alignment with ECOWAS, AfCFTA, and Agenda 2063
Speaker Koon noted that the parliament would serve as an “institutional bridge” to unify responses on trade, security, and development. Ivory Coast and Guinea pledged strong support for its sustainability.
This landmark development marks a turning point in regional governance, with the MRU Parliament set to amplify citizens’ voices and foster legislative cohesion across West Africa.