In a historic show of regional solidarity, four West African nations—Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, and Sierra Leone—have reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence and regional integration through the effective management and reaffirmation of shared land and maritime boundaries.

The landmark regional conference, held from June 16–19, 2025, in Monrovia, was convened to establish Joint Technical Commissions (JTCs) tasked with overseeing the reaffirmation of land borders and the delimitation of maritime frontiers among the Mano River Union (MRU) member states. The event, hosted by the Government of Liberia in collaboration with the African Union Border Programme (AUBP) and supported by the German Cooperation (GIZ), brought together over 100 participants, including top government representatives from the four countries, the MRU Secretariat, the Makona River Organization, and several development partners.

The meeting formed part of wider Pan-African initiatives aimed at promoting integrated border governance, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and minimizing tensions over unresolved boundary issues. It reflects a broader commitment to transforming borders from conflict flashpoints into zones of peaceful collaboration, trade, and development.

“The success of this conference reinforces our collective vision for an Africa where borders unite rather than divide,” said Br. Sakila Nyumalin, Sr., Liberia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, during the closing ceremony.

The representatives from the four nations hailed the longstanding fraternal ties between their countries and pledged to strengthen peaceful cohabitation and border security through structured cooperation and dialogue. At the conclusion of four days of intensive deliberations, the following decisions were adopted:

These commissions will address the delimitation, demarcation, or reaffirmation of land and maritime boundaries between Côte d'Ivoire and Liberia, Guinea and Liberia, and Sierra Leone and Liberia. The conference committed to organizing targeted training programs to equip JTC members with technical knowledge on demarcation procedures, legal frameworks, and best practices. Each JTC will develop and implement a country-specific roadmap outlining objectives, timelines, and responsibilities for field activities related to border governance.

Several forward-looking recommendations were agreed upon, including:

• Preparation and signing of bilateral agreements to formalize JTC operations.
• Peaceful resolution of the longstanding Yenga border dispute.
• Institutional reviews to improve border governance structures—especially in Liberia.
• Establishment of permanent national border management agencies where they do not yet exist.
• Strict implementation of roadmaps with active monitoring and community engagement.

The communiqué emphasized actionable roles for various actors to ensure long-term success:

• Demonstrate high-level political will and commitment to the success of the JTCs.
• Accelerate the signing of formal agreements guiding JTC operations.
• Allocate adequate human, financial, and technical resources.
• Institutionalize border management through formalized national agencies.
• Sensitize border communities on peace, coexistence, and the purpose of border projects.
• Follow roadmaps strictly and produce transparent progress reports.
• Engage local communities to foster grassroots ownership.
• Share all border demarcation documents through MRU platforms for transparency.
• Enhance synergy between MRU and national border structures.
• Improve public communication and awareness of regional border initiatives.
• Expand MRU’s role in local conflict resolution and early warning systems.
• Support MRU border initiatives through targeted technical and financial assistance.
• Promote coordinated regional logistics and resource sharing for efficient border management.
• Continue supporting the African Union Border Programme (AUBP), especially in the MRU region.
• Promote best practices and regional knowledge sharing.
• Urge member states to ratify key security and governance conventions such as the Niamey Convention and the African Union Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism.
• Sustain financial and logistical support for cross-border initiatives beyond June 2026.
• Assist in peaceful conflict resolution and mediation.
• Promote experience-sharing across African regions facing similar border issues.

The conference was deeply lauded by all delegations, who expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Liberia for their warm hospitality and logistical organization.

Senior Prefect Ibrahima Bayo of Côte d'Ivoire, Mr. Bader Kaba of Guinea, and Francis Langumba Keili of Sierra Leone joined Liberia’s Minister Nyumalin in signing the final communiqué, signaling a new chapter in cross-border collaboration.

“The journey to peaceful borders requires trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to progress. This gathering is a testament to what our nations can achieve when we come together in good faith,” said Francis Langumba Keili, Chief of Staff in Sierra Leone’s Office of National Security.

The event marked a significant turning point in regional diplomacy, security cooperation, and Pan-African integration, paving the way for tangible steps toward resolving long-standing boundary challenges and fostering unity among the Mano River Union countries.

Signatories:

• F. Sakila Nyumalin, Sr. – Minister of Internal Affairs, Liberia
• Ibrahima Bayo – Director General of Territorial Administration, Côte d'Ivoire
• Mr. Bader Kaba – Advisor on Reform Monitoring, Guinea
• Francis Langumba Keili – Chief of Staff, Office of National Security, Sierra Leone