05/11/2026 | Press release | Archived content
During the meeting, President Bio expressed pleasure in meeting his "Big Brother," President Boakai, emphasizing the importance of frequent engagements among regional leaders, especially at a time when the subregion is confronted with growing security and border-related challenges.
President Bio noted that the prevailing peace and security concerns along the borders of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea continue to undermine progress and regional cooperation within the Mano River Union framework.
The two leaders expressed that the peoples of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties and stressed that the peaceful resolution of border disputes through diplomatic means remains in the best interest of all MRU member states.
Presidents Boakai and Bio discussed ongoing engagements surrounding the border disagreements involving Guinea and Sierra Leone, as well as Guinea and Liberia. They agreed on the urgent need to convene a Mano River Union Summit, as proposed by His Excellency President Alassane Ouattara of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire during bilateral talks with President Boakai on Sunday.
The leaders also reflected on delays affecting the MRU Headquarters Project and the restructuring of the MRU Secretariat, both of which have reportedly stalled as a result of the border disputes. They called for mutual understanding and constructive dialogue to restore confidence in the regional body and strengthen efforts aimed at sustaining peace and stability in the subregion.
President Boakai further raised concerns regarding the reported influx of Burkinabè nationals into the Reserved Sarpo National Park in Liberia, a situation linked to instability in parts of the Sahel region. The Liberian leader had earlier highlighted the issue during discussions with President Ouattara.
Both Presidents expressed strong conviction that diplomacy remains the most effective path toward resolving the current impasse and preserving regional peace, security, and cooperation among MRU member states.