By: Aminata Sesay
Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma, Leader of Government Business in the Parliament of Sierra Leone, has formally presented the Monrovia Declaration to the House a landmark agreement that calls for the establishment of a Mano River Union (MRU) Parliament. The declaration, signed by the Speakers of member states, represents a significant move toward stronger regional integration and democratic cooperation in West Africa.
Speaking during Tuesday’s parliamentary session, Hon. Nyuma emphasized the importance of this regional legislative initiative, which was deliberated and signed during a high-level summit held in Monrovia, Liberia, on July 20, 2025.
“We, the Speakers from Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire, met in Monrovia to formally call on our Heads of State to support the formation of a Mano River Union Parliamentary Body,” he stated.
The Monrovia Declaration is being hailed as a turning point in revitalizing the Mano River Union, originally established in 1973, but which has faced criticism in recent decades for limited effectiveness and coordination. This new initiative aims to expand the Union’s scope beyond political and economic cooperation, introducing an inclusive governance model by involving elected representatives in regional decision-making.
“The declaration reflects the shared aspirations of our people for inclusive decision-making, grounded in our common culture, history, and destiny,” said Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas.
He further described the moment as an opportunity to give the MRU a unified parliamentary voice after more than 50 years of existence.
According to Speaker Thomas, the proposed MRU Parliament will initially comprise 10 representatives from each member country’s national legislature. He noted that parliamentary attendance and active participation will be key criteria in the selection process for Sierra Leone’s delegation.
Speaker Thomas also recalled that the idea for this regional parliamentary body gained significant momentum following recent engagements with the Speaker of the Liberian Parliament and consultations with *President Julius Maada Bio, who has expressed his strong support for the initiative.
“This Parliament will help us address critical and long-standing issues within the Union,” Hon. Thomas remarked. “While our Heads of State may not always meet to resolve these challenges, elected representatives can ensure that the MRU remains responsive to the needs of its people.”
The formation of the MRU Parliament comes at a time when regional blocs across Africa are exploring more effective strategies to address security challenges, economic instability, and democratic backsliding. Supporters of the initiative argue that empowering legislative bodies across borders will strengthen accountability, regional cooperation, and development outcomes.
If established, the MRU Parliament will serve as a consultative and oversight body, providing a platform for dialogue on trade, regional security, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and shared development priorities.
Speaker Thomas concluded his remarks with a call for unity and national support.
“This is the first time in 60 years we are taking such a bold step,” he said. “Let us look forward with hope and commitment to what this Parliament can achieve for our region and for generations to come.”