Secretary-General appeals for sustainable financing, stronger institutions and greater visibility as the Union enters a new chapter

Freetown, 7 Oct. 2026 – The Mano River Union (MRU) commemorated its 53rd Anniversary on October 3rd, with Secretary-General H.E. Ambassador Simeon M-B. Moribah calling on Member States, partners and staff to make the Union’s next chapter one of delivery, moving “from aspiration to implementation.”

The anniversary, observed under the theme “Strengthening the Culture of Regional Peace and Integration for Sustainable Development,” was marked by different forms of public engagements including media engagement, school visits, a health walk, and a networking event on Saturday, organised by the Secretariat in Freetown and the regional offices in the Member States.

In his anniversary address, delivered at the Secretariat, the Secretary-General paid tribute to the Union’s founders and to the Heads of State and Government of Member States

“Fifty-three years ago, our founders dared to imagine that our countries could achieve more together than separately. That conviction remains true today,” said Ambassador Moribah. “Our responsibility is therefore not simply to preserve the Mano River Union. Our responsibility is to make it work better for the people for whom it was created.”

Reflecting on fifty-three years of the Union, the Secretary-General noted that the region has endured conflict, political transitions, disease outbreaks, economic shocks and climate pressures. “Our borders may define our countries, but they do not divide our people,” he said, adding that “regional integration is a practical necessity for our people.”, highlighting the Union’s interventions in Infrastructure and trade facilitation, women and youth empowerment, economic development, shared natural resources management, and strategic partnerships.

Acknowledging the Union’s challenges candidly, the Secretary-General singled out financial sustainability as the most pressing, noting that delayed or outstanding Member State contributions limit the Secretariat’s ability to retain technical expertise, support country offices and undertake monitoring missions. He respectfully appealed to Member States to prioritise their statutory contributions and to work with the Secretariat towards a more predictable and sustainable financing framework.

He also stressed the need to strengthen the Secretariat’s internal systems, staffing and technology, and to improve the Union’s visibility. “The MRU must become an institution that citizens can see, understand and identify with,” the SG said.

Representatives of Member States reaffirmed their commitment to the union in promoting peace and fostering economic growth in the sub-region. Côte d’Ivoire’s Consul-General to Sierra Leone, H. E. Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva said 53 years in the MRU context is not just a number, but a story of resilience in which the Union has survived civil wars, health crises, and economic challenges because its people are bound by blood, culture and destiny. He said though Côte d’Ivoire is the youngest of the four members, it remains committed to the mandate of the Union, and believes it is the ultimate instrument for peace and security; economic integration and free movement of our people among the four nations,. “I see every day how intertwined our futures are. What affects one country, affects the others. It is a blessing and a responsibility we must all enjoy. May the Mano River continue to flow as a river of peace. Long live the Mano River Union. Long live the four member states.” He said.

The Chief Commissioner of the Sierra Leone Scouts Association, Mr. Patrick Massaquoi, while presenting a certificate of recognition and appreciation to the Secretariat, said his Association was pleased to identify with the Secretariat, owing to the many illustrious partnerships they have had in the past. He reaffirmed his Association’s commitment in further popularizing the Union’s mandate among young people in the sub region.

Outlining the vision for the Union’s next chapter, the Chairperson of the 53rd Anniversary Committee, and Programme Officer for Health and Gender , while moving the vote of thanks, called for a region where young people can imagine their futures at home, cross border women traders can do business safely and with dignity, farmers connected to regional value chains, shared forests and rivers protected for future generations, and a Mano River region in which peace is protected. She ended by thanking all who participated in the celebrations

About the Mano River Union

The Mano River Union is an intergovernmental organisation with its Secretariat in Freetown, Sierra Leone. It was established in October 1973 by Presidents Siaka P. Stevens of Sierra Leone and William J Tolbert of Liberia, and takes its name from the river that runs along the border between the two countries. Guinea joined in 1980 and Côte d’Ivoire in 2008. Formed as a customs union, its mandate has since expanded to include agriculture, communications, natural resources, health, education, social services, trade and industry, and peace and security cooperation.

Media Contact

John A. L. Terry | Communications Consultant | +232-78-852-226| jterry@mru.int / info@mru.int  Website: www.mru.int |