- Acronym: MRU
- Type: Intergovernmental Organization
- Membership: 4 member states
- Establishment: Established on 3 October 1973
- Official Language(s): English
- Headquarters: Freetown, Sierra Leone
The Mano River Union (MRU) is an intergovernmental organization primarily focused on fostering economic cooperation and promoting regional integration among member states. It was established to harness resources and create an enabling environment for sustainable development, peace, and stability in the region.
Mano River Union History
The MRU was founded on 3 October 1973 by Liberia and Sierra Leone. Guinea joined the union in 1980, and Côte d’Ivoire became a member in 2008. The Union was formed in the context of promoting economic cooperation and addressing the challenges of border security and regional instability.
Mano River Union Structure
The MRU’s structure is built around several key bodies, including:
- The Summit of Heads of State and Government: The supreme policy-making organ of the MRU. It consists of the heads of state or government of the member states.
- The Council of Ministers: Comprises the ministers responsible for MRU affairs in each member state and meets at least once a year.
- The Secretariat: Headed by a Secretary-General appointed by the Summit for a term of four years, responsible for the day-to-day operations and implementation of the policies of the MRU.
Mano River Union Membership
The MRU consists of four member countries in the Mano River basin:
- Liberia
- Sierra Leone
- Guinea
- Côte d’Ivoire
Mano River Union Objectives
Regional Integration
One of MRU’s primary objectives is to promote regional integration through economic and political cooperation.
Peace and Security
The MRU aims to maintain and consolidate peace and security in the Mano River region, crucial for sustainable development.
Economic Development
The MRU focuses on formulating and implementing projects that promote economic cooperation and development among the member states.
Mano River Union Funding
The MRU is funded by contributions from member states, grants, and donations from international partners and development agencies. The contributions are often determined based on the economic capacity of each member state and the needs of the Union’s projects and initiatives.
Mano River Union Projects
Infrastructure Development
The MRU undertakes projects aimed at improving the infrastructure in the region, such as roads, bridges, and communication facilities, to enhance economic integration.
Health and Education
The MRU works on improving the health and education sectors of member states by promoting policies and projects that aim to provide better services to the people in the region.
Agricultural Development
The Union focuses on agricultural projects to ensure food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices among the member states.
Mano River Union Members
Full Members
- Liberia
- Sierra Leone
- Guinea
- Côte d’Ivoire
The Mano River Union continues to work towards achieving its goals of regional integration, peace, and economic development. Through its collaborative projects and initiatives, the MRU is making strides in addressing the challenges faced by its member states and improving the lives of its citizens.