By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

The groundwork is being laid in Monrovia for the formal launch of the Mano River Union (MRU) Parliament, with top parliamentary leaders from across the region converging at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex ahead of the historic event. Though the regional legislative body has not yet been officially constituted, key preparations are underway, and the program is expected to commence soon.

Liberia’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, on Saturday received parliamentary leaders from Guinea and Sierra Leone and welcomed the anticipated participation of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly President, Rt. Hon. Adama Bictogo. The upcoming ceremony is expected to mark a turning point in the history of the sub-region’s cooperation framework.

Formed in 1973 by Liberia and Sierra Leone, the Mano River Union was created to promote economic development, peace, and cross-border cooperation. Guinea joined the bloc in 1980, and Côte d’Ivoire followed in 2008. While the MRU has played a crucial role in regional diplomacy and integration efforts over the years, the creation of a formal parliamentary structure marks an ambitious leap toward deeper institutional cohesion.

The new body is intended to give elected representatives from all four member states a platform to harmonize national laws, deliberate on transboundary issues, and strengthen regional decision-making. It is also envisioned to contribute to conflict prevention, improve political accountability, and push forward shared legislative agendas on security, trade, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance.

Speaker Koon, addressing fellow lawmakers and delegates, emphasized Liberia’s readiness to serve as a bridge in facilitating the legislative transition. He underscored that the Parliament, once launched, would play an integral role in the peace architecture of the region and drive policies to benefit ordinary citizens.

Although the official parliamentary framework is yet to be finalized, the atmosphere in Monrovia suggests strong political will among MRU states to see this vision realized. As regional leaders prepare for the formal proceedings, hopes are high that this initiative will mark a new chapter in the MRU’s legacy—one grounded in legislative dialogue, unity, and sustained development.