Published: February 14, 2025
MONROVIA – A high-level delegation from the Bureau of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), led by Hon. Matthew Sahr Nyuma, MP of Sierra Leone, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening parliamentary cooperation with Liberia’s House of Representatives. The visit focused on fostering legislative synergy, deepening regional ties, and promoting policies that drive sustainable development.
Hon. Nyuma, who serves as the Leader of Government Business in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, addressed lawmakers during a regular sitting, emphasizing the importance of unity among African nations. He highlighted the historical, cultural, and economic connections between Liberia and its neighbors, stressing that stronger parliamentary collaboration is essential for progress.
Call for Legislative Cooperation
During his remarks, Rt. Hon. Nyuma underscored the critical role of parliaments in enacting laws that support governance, economic growth, and social transformation. He urged Liberia’s lawmakers to engage more actively in the OACPS framework to ensure that their nation’s interests are well represented in international agreements.
“We need proper integration, discussion, and collaboration. There is no way transformation can happen without robust legislation,” Hon. Nyuma stated. “Our nations are intertwined by history, geography, and common challenges. We must work together to ensure sustainable development.”
He further explained that the OACPS has transitioned from the Cotonou Agreement to the Samoa Agreement, which now provides a platform for African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations to engage more effectively with the European Union. He encouraged Liberia’s lawmakers to play a more active role in shaping policies within this framework.
Support for Liberia’s Legislative Transition
The delegation also expressed solidarity with Liberia’s House of Representatives regarding the relocation of its parliamentary activities due to structural issues at the Capitol Building. Hon. Nyuma shared a similar experience from Sierra Leone, where their parliament had to be temporarily moved due to infrastructure concerns.
“It is not easy to relocate a parliament from one location to another, but the work must continue,” he stated. “We understand the challenges, but governance must not be disrupted. We stand in solidarity with you as you navigate this transition.”
He emphasized that despite these logistical hurdles, lawmakers must remain focused on their primary responsibility of representing their people and making decisions that promote national stability and development.
Strengthening Bilateral and Regional Partnerships
Beyond legislative collaboration, the visiting delegation emphasized the need for stronger bilateral and regional partnerships between Liberia and its neighbors. Hon. Nyuma highlighted historical and cultural ties between Liberia and Sierra Leone, stressing that these shared experiences should serve as a foundation for deeper cooperation.
“Our nations are intertwined by culture, by trade, and by shared struggles. We cannot afford to work in isolation,” he stated. “If we do not unite and move forward together, we will be left behind while the rest of the world advances in development.”
Key areas of discussion included education reform, gender equality, youth empowerment, and economic policies that benefit both Liberia and the broader OACPS community. Hon. Nyuma also encouraged lawmakers to advocate for policies that prioritize gender parity and youth development, emphasizing that these issues are central to the OACPS agenda.
Majority Bloc Speaker Koon Reaffirms Commitment
House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to deeper regional cooperation. He assured Hon. Nyuma that Liberia’s participation in OACPS engagements would be more robust moving forward.
“We assure you that our involvement will be more active, and we will meet our obligations to foster greater collaboration,” Koon stated.
He also introduced key lawmakers in attendance, emphasizing their roles in ensuring legislative continuity despite the challenges of relocating parliamentary activities.
The visit marks a continued effort by the OACPS to foster inter-parliamentary collaboration and ensure that legislative bodies play a critical role in shaping policies that drive sustainable growth. The discussions reinforced the importance of legislative diplomacy in addressing common challenges, strengthening governance, and enhancing economic development.
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