Freetown, Sierra Leone – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has concluded a four-day working visit to Sierra Leone, during which he and President Julius Maada Bio reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to deepening regional cooperation, addressing shared challenges, and advancing sustainable development. The visit, from November 18 to 21, 2024, marked President Boakai’s first official trip to Sierra Leone since his inauguration and showcased the long-standing ties between the two neighboring countries.
The talks between the two leaders, held in a spirit of trust and mutual understanding, focused on a range of issues, including agriculture, food security, trade, cross-border cooperation, and regional security. The visit was hailed as a significant step toward aligning the nations’ developmental aspirations and strengthening the Mano River Union (MRU).
Focus on Agriculture and Food Security
President Boakai commended President Bio for his “Feed Salone” initiative, which is aimed at revolutionizing agriculture in Sierra Leone to achieve food security and economic growth. “His Excellency President Boakai especially applauded His Excellency President Bio’s flagship program ‘Feed Salone’ and his dedication to revolutionize agriculture in Sierra Leone,” according to a joint communiqué issued at the conclusion of the visit.
In return, President Bio praised Boakai’s initiatives to prioritize agriculture as a critical driver for food security, job creation, and poverty reduction in Liberia. The two leaders underscored their mutual commitment to leveraging their nations’ fertile lands for transformative agricultural initiatives.
“The two Heads of State underscored their dedication to unite the subregion and the continent; and partner around a common goal to ameliorate the hunger situation in the region and to create the necessary conditions to feed the people and create jobs,” the communiqué stated.
Strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation and Trade
The leaders also discussed enhancing cross-border cooperation to foster peaceful coexistence and economic activity among border communities. They agreed to focus on increasing trade between Liberia and Sierra Leone as a means of boosting regional economic integration.
Additionally, they reaffirmed their commitment to democratic stability in the MRU and ECOWAS regions, emphasizing the importance of peaceful transitions of power to maintain peace and security.
Liberia’s Bid for a UN Security Council Seat
The two leaders addressed their nations’ roles on the international stage. President Boakai congratulated President Bio on Sierra Leone’s leadership in the United Nations Security Council and its chairmanship of the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C10) on UN Security Council reforms.
President Bio, in turn, expressed strong support for Liberia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term. “Liberia represents a respectable voice that would provide unique insights into peacebuilding and conflict resolution as well as meaningfully contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security,” President Bio noted.
Updates from the MRU Secretariat
During the visit, MRU Secretary General Ambassador Simeon M.B. Moribah provided an update on the union’s progress. Moribah highlighted ongoing projects under the MRU’s five-year strategic plan, which includes programs in infrastructure, youth empowerment, and food security. He acknowledged support from the African Development Bank, the United Nations, and other international partners.
Moribah emphasized the potential of the Mano-Congo hydroelectric dam project, which could generate over 200 megawatts of power for Liberia and Sierra Leone. “Liberia had earlier endorsed it, which led to the update of the feasibility studies. Funding can be secured once the countries agree,” he said.
He also credited Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sarah Beysolow Nyanti for fostering collaborations with Morocco, which has committed to building a new headquarters for the MRU. “The signing of a roadmap for cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the MRU member states is a true sign of love and commitment to our union,” Moribah stated.
Moribah described President Boakai’s visit to the MRU Secretariat as a historic moment. “I can proudly conclude that your working visit to Sierra Leone and your visit to the MRU Secretariat, the first by a head of state, is a rebirth for the union,” he said, adding that the visit marks the beginning of a new era of development in the subregion.
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