In a momentous celebration of Africa Border Day, D. Emmanuel Wheinyue, Assistant Minister for Research and Development Planning at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, represented the Government of Liberia, emphasizing the critical importance of fostering peace and collaboration among neighboring communities.

Speaking to an audience of dignitaries and representatives from various African nations, Minister Wheinyue conveyed greetings from His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and Honorable Francis Sakila Nyumain Sr., Minister of Internal Affairs. He acknowledged the commendable efforts of Mr. Diakalidia Konate, Executive Secretary of the National Border Commission of Côte d’Ivoire, for his leadership in advancing border programs within the Mano River Union (MRU) basin.

The program, organized by the African Union, aimed to commemorate the achievements of the African Union Border Program (AUBP) while raising awareness about the need to transform border areas into spaces of peace, security, and integration. Minister Wheinyue highlighted Liberia’s progress in establishing its National Border Program, which now includes a National Border Commission comprising 15 government ministries and agencies.

Reflecting on recent developments, Minister Wheinyue shared that Liberia successfully hosted a significant meeting of the African Union Border Program in Monrovia from June 16th to 19th, which brought together over 100 participants, including delegations from Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. This meeting marked the first visit to West Africa by Mr. Max Middeke, the Head of the AU Border Program, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation.

During the four-day meeting, Liberia established Joint Technical Commissions with Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Sierra Leone to reaffirm land borders and delineate maritime boundaries. The discussions also resulted in the development of roadmaps for implementing border programs, signaling Liberia’s commitment to transforming borders into bridges that unite rather than divide.

Minister Wheinyue called for technical and financial support from partners to implement the newly developed workplans, expressing the Government of Liberia’s enthusiasm for the program. He urged bordering communities to enhance communication and trade, emphasizing the need for unity and resilience against conflict.

In his closing remarks, Minister Wheinyue reminded attendees of their shared languages and cultures, urging them to report any suspicious activities to local authorities and to work collectively to keep their borders free from illicit drugs and terrorism. He expressed gratitude to the leadership of Gbarpleu for hosting the event and thanked all partners for their support.