Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of Liberia, alongsid Mamadi Doumbouy of Guinea, and Julius Maada Bio of the Republic of Sierra Leone, have concluded high-level consultations in Conakry with a shared agreement to pursue a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to ongoing border tensions among their countries.
The meeting, held in a cordial and frank atmosphere under the framework of the Mano River Union (MRU), ended Monday evening with the adoption of a joint communiqué emphasizing dialogue over the use of force in addressing border-related concerns.
The three leaders agreed to maintain the status quo ante regarding current border positions while negotiations continue toward an amicable, acceptable, and lasting solution. This approach is intended to preserve the longstanding trade, commerce, and cultural ties among border communities.
The Presidents expressed the importance of collective action to preserve stability along their shared borders, strengthen security cooperation, and deepen good neighborliness among their nations. Their deliberations were informed by recent incidents that have heightened tensions in certain border areas.
At the conclusion of the Summit, the Heads of State adopted the following key positions:
1. Expressed concern over the growing incidence of global crises and conflicts and their economic, security, and humanitarian implications, particularly for developing countries;
2. Emphasized the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and peaceful coexistence as guiding principles of relations among their countries;
3. Committed to the promotion of peace, security, stability, and development within the MRU region;
4. Agreed to resolve all border issues through peaceful diplomatic means, consistent with Article 33 of the United Nations Charter;
5. Strengthened joint efforts to combat insecurity, terrorism, transnational organized crime, and trafficking;
6. Committed to the joint development and promotion of economic activities in border areas to enhance prosperity and coexistence;
7. Encouraged increased economic cooperation and regional integration, particularly in trade, infrastructure, energy, environmental management, and the free movement of people and goods;
8. Agreed to intensify collaboration among defense and security institutions through joint border patrols, intelligence sharing, and improved communication mechanisms between local and security authorities;
9. Directed relevant agencies to urgently engage in dialogue to prevent and manage border incidents, facilitate community-level engagement, and advance technical work on border clarification and demarcation with support from regional and international partners;
10. Resolved to strengthen joint border surveillance and conflict prevention initiatives;
11. Agreed to convene a Summit of the MRU within one month to revitalize the Union and enhance regular dialogue on peace, security, and development; and
12. Indicated their intention to undertake reciprocal working visits to further strengthen cooperation, fraternity, and peaceful coexistence.
The outcome of the Conakry consultations is expected to ease tensions, restore confidence among affected communities, and facilitate the resumption and growth of cross-border economic activities.
President Boakai and President Bio have since returned to their respective countries following the successful conclusion of the meeting.
