MRU STAFF CONVERGE IN MAKENI TO RECOMMIT TO SERVICE
Leadership calls for honest dialogue, teamwork and practical results to strengthen the Secretariat
MAKENI, Sierra Leone, 4 November 2026: The Mano River Union (MRU) Secretariat has commenced its annual Staff Retreat in Makeni today, bringing executives and staff members from the Union’s Secretariat and country offices together under the theme “Recommitment to Service, to review progress so far, and strategise for the coming year.
From November 4th-6th, 2026, the entire staff population will review and evaluate the Union’s strategic plan (2020-2025), the revised Staff Rules and Regulations, and recommendations from the Union’s governing bodies and the last staff retreat, while appreciating the gains made and learning from challenges.
Working groups will take close look into issues related to administration, finance and resource mobilisation, project implementation, communication, travel policies, staff capacity-building, and staff welfare and working conditions. The retreat will also have a presentation on the Union’s 2027 workplan.
The Deputy Secretary-General for Economic Development and Regional Integration and Sierra Leone’s Representative to the MRU, Madam Ama Gborie-Foday said the retreat must lead to real change and recommitment to service must go beyond the theme of this retreat.”. “I particularly hope that our deliberations will produce practical recommendations, with clear responsibilities and timelines, rather than another report that remains on our shelves.” Madam Gborie-Foday said.
Representing the Deputy Secretary-General for Peace and Security, Good Governance, Social Affairs and Cote d’Ivoire’s Representative to the MRU- Madam Ange Konan-Monu, the Peace and Security Programme Officer, Mr. Jerry Tarbolo urged colleagues to recommit to purpose, to each other and to results, with the reminder fatigue is not an option when our people still need us. “The Union’s strength lies in its people. Institutions do not transform our region. People do. People who have decided to serve,” Mr. Tarbolo said.
Deputy Secretary-General for Administration and Finance, and Guinea’s Representative to the MRU, Mr. Mamadi Dioumessy described staff as central to the Union’s renewal, identifying three priorities for onward growth: realigning the Union’s strategy with current challenges, modernising internal processes, and mobilising more sustainable funding. “The staff plays a central role, serving as the essential driving force for translating political ambitions into concrete actions on the ground.” DSG Dioumessy said.
Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barley, the Deputy Development Secretary at the Ministry, Mr. Saffea Ndomahina, reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone’s support for the MRU, reminding participants that the success of the Union depends significantly on its ability to work together with its partners, respect institutional values and place collective interest above personal considerations. “Sierra Leone remains committed to the ideals and objectives of the Mano River Union,” Mr. Ndomahina said.
The retreat is expected to produce a shared list of the challenges facing the Secretariat, recommendations that everyone accepts, and a roadmap with timelines and named responsibilities. A monitoring framework will track progress, and a focal person or committee will follow up after the retreat.
Established in 1973, the Mano River Union is a subregional organisation that promotes economic peace and security, cooperation and regional integration among Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire through free movement and collaboration. Its headquarters is in Freetown, Sierra Leone, with country offices in the other Member States.
Media contact:
John Terry
Communications Consultant
+232-78-852-226/ +231-771-399-108