By Fatima Kpaka
Addis Ababa, 18 March 2026 – The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Youssouf Ali, has commended the decision by the Governments of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone to pursue peaceful and diplomatic settlement of their border disputes.
The announcement follows the High-level Tripartite Summit held on 16 March 2026 in Conakry, convened by the Heads of State of the three Mano River Union (MRU) countries to strengthen border cooperation and promote regional stability.
In a statement, the AU Commission Chairperson praised the collective choice of dialogue over confrontation, noting that the decision aligns with AU normative frameworks, including the Constitutive Act of the African Union (2000) and the AU Non-Aggression and Common Defence Pact (2009). He highlighted the spirit of cooperation and good neighbourliness demonstrated by the three Member States, describing the outcome as a milestone for African-led solutions to African challenges.
The Chairperson also acknowledged the constructive role of ECOWAS and international partners in facilitating the agreement, stressing that the peaceful settlement serves as a model for conflict prevention and resolution across the continent. He emphasized that the decision strengthens the foundations for sustainable peace, security, and development in the Mano River region.
Looking ahead, the Chairperson welcomed the collective resolve to convene a Mano River Union Summit within a month to revitalize the MRU and enhance regular dialogue on peace, security, and development. He reiterated the AU’s continued support to the Governments and peoples of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone in consolidating this progress and advancing regional stability.