Speaker Thomas Champions Regional Unity
John Kelly Marah
In a major step toward deepening regional integration, the Speakers of Parliament from Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire have signed a historic declaration establishing the Mano River Union Parliament (MRUP). The landmark signing took place on July 20, 2025, at the Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, Liberia. The declaration marks a bold commitment to strengthening democratic governance, regional solidarity, and citizen participation across the Mano River Union (MRU) sub-region.
“The Regional Parliament will provide a structured and accountable platform for harmonized legislation, democratic oversight, and shared commitments,” declared Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, Speaker of Sierra Leone’s Parliament.
The MRU Parliament is envisioned as a structured platform to: Promote democratic governance and human rights; Harmonize national laws and legislative frameworks; Advance socio-economic, environmental, and security cooperation; Facilitate conflict prevention and dialogue; And Champion regional priorities such as climate resilience, youth development, and sustainable growth.
Speaker Thomas: Championing Shared Progress
Describing the initiative as both “timely and visionary,” Speaker Thomas emphasized the shared challenges facing MRU countries—including youth unemployment, climate vulnerabilit, and fragile infrastructure. He advocated for collective, cross-border solutions through a common legislative voice.
He also highlighted the MRUP’s role in fostering gender and youth inclusion, promoting environmental stewardship, and aligning MRU efforts with broader continental frameworks like ECOWAS, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Liberia’s Speaker: Investing in Regional Unity
Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, Speaker of Liberia’s House of Representatives, described the new Parliament as a “vital bridge for environmental protection and human advancement.”
“Let this day mark a new era of parliamentary work across our countries,” he stated, urging MRU member states to go beyond symbolic participation and commit real resources to the Parliament.
He emphasized regional trade, fair market access, and gender equality as crucial pillars for sustainable development.
Commitments from Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire
Speakers from Guinea’s National Transition Council and Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly also signed the declaration and pledged full commitment to the process.
According to the draft protocol (pending final endorsement), each MRU member state will nominate between five to fifteen parliamentarians, based on the size of its national legislature. Delegations must reflect their country’s political diversity and gender balance.
Key Provisions in the Draft Protocol
Tenure: Four-year renewable terms
Duties: Legislative harmonization, oversight of MRU projects, peace promotion
Immunity: Legal protection during official sessions and travel
Governance Structure
General Assembly: Supreme decision-making body
Bureau: Led by a Speaker and three Vice Speakers, elected on a rotational, geographical basis
Standing Committees:
Peace & Security
Economic Integration
Gender & Social Protection
Environment & Natural Resources
Legal Affairs & Human Rights
Maritime Economy
Public Health
IT & Cybersecurity
Finance & Administration
Secretariat: Headed by a Clerk for administrative coordination
Plenary: Driving Sub-Regional Policy
As the highest deliberative organ, the plenary will set the sub-region’s legislative agenda, debate pressing issues, and oversee the implementation of policies. It will also issue binding resolutions and recommendations to the MRU Secretariat, Council of Ministers, and Heads of State.
