By K. Ericson Sayee
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, has recommended a stronger parliamentary cooperation within the Mano River Union countries for a greater regional collaboration to address shared challenges confronting West Africa.
Speaker Koon, who was invited by the National Assembly of the Republic of Guinea, made the call on Monday, October 5, 2026, in Conakry, Guinea, calling on members of the Guinean parliament to foster unity and peaceful co-existence among the regional parliamentary among Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.
The Liberian Speaker then congratulated the Government and people of Guinea on the country’s 68th Independence Anniversary and extended felicitations to Guinea’s President, Dr. Dansa Kourouma, as well as members of the National Assembly as they assume responsibility for leading the country’s 10th Legislature and the first Legislature of the Fifth Republic.
According to the Speaker, Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire share borders, history, families, cultures, and markets, describing these long standing connections as a strength for the region, noting that the countries also face common challenges, including cross-border migration, human trafficking, smuggling, insecurity, informal trade, unemployment, and inadequate border infrastructure.
He said migration requires particular attention, noting that Liberia, like other countries in the region, receives migrants from across West Africa.
He expressed: “Our response must not be anti-migrant. It must be orderly, lawful, documented and humane, while protecting national security and the dignity of every person”.
Koon asserted that challenges surrounding migration, border management, human trafficking, and cross-border commerce cannot be effectively addressed by individual countries acting alone.
He admonished regional parliaments to strengthen legislation on migration, trafficking, border management, and cross-border trade while exercising effective oversight of institutions responsible for managing national borders.
Koon also called for regional agreements that would facilitate the lawful movement of people and goods while safeguarding communities and national security, further expressing: “Our borders should be bridges, not barriers, but bridges that are properly managed and secure”.
Koon Pushes for Mano River Union Parliament
During his appearance in the National Assembly of the Republic of Guinea, the Liberian Speaker renewed calls for the establishment of a functional Mano River Union Parliament, urging regional leaders to move the initiative from declaration to implementation.
He said Speakers of the Mano River Union countries have already endorsed the initiative and expressed hope that the Speakers attending the opening of Guinea’s National Assembly would agree on a specific date for their next engagement to finalize outstanding formalities.
Koon intimated that a functional MRU Parliament would provide a permanent regional platform for addressing common challenges, harmonizing appropriate legislation, facilitating trade, strengthening border communities, and promoting peace and security.
“Our Executives negotiate agreements; Parliaments must turn those agreements into laws, budgets and institutions that deliver results”, he expressed.
Liberia to Host CoSPAL Assembly
As part of Liberia’s commitment of parliamentary cooperation and African Integration, Speaker Koon announced that the Liberian House of Representatives will host the 4th General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) in Monrovia from December 9–11, 2026.
According to him, the assembly will be held under the theme: “Enhancing Intra-African Trade and Investment through Legislative Leadership and Parliamentary Cooperation.”
He said the theme reflects the need for African legislatures to make regional integration more practical and beneficial to citizens, calling for a region where people can move legally and safely, goods can move efficiently, borders remain secure, and communities directly benefit from regional cooperation.
The Liberian Speaker also urged parliaments to strengthen efforts against human trafficking and transnational crime, remove unnecessary barriers to legitimate trade, and ensure that regional agreements translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
He noted: “Guinea and Liberia have a special responsibility. Our borders must connect our peoples, not divide them”.
Speaker Koon concluded by calling for renewed commitment to a stronger Mano River Union, a more integrated West Africa, and an Africa where parliaments work with unity and purpose, extending his support continued peace and prosperity to the people of Guinea and Liberia and reaffirmed the commitment of the Liberian Legislature to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and regional cooperation.