MONROVIA – The Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone, delivered a powerful statement at the Meeting of Speakers of Parliament of the Mano River Union (MRU) member states, emphasizing the urgent need for a regional parliament to address the shared challenges of Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Addressing a distinguished audience and fellow parliamentary leaders, Thomas highlighted the common issues facing the MRU nations, including youth unemployment, security vulnerabilities, climate change impacts, and barriers to cross-border trade.
He articulated a bold vision for collaboration through the proposed Regional Parliament, which aims to foster integration, peace, and development across the sub-region.
“An MRU Regional Parliament is both visionary and timely,” Thomas stated, citing the necessity for a structured and accountable platform for legislative action. He underscored the importance of a collective response to the challenges that have historically plagued the region, including the consequences of conflict and economic instability.
In his speech, Thomas outlined several objectives for the proposed parliament, including the promotion of harmonized laws, strengthening democratic accountability, and creating a platform for citizen engagement across borders.
He emphasized the need for social equity and environmental stewardship, proposing that a united MRU front could amplify the voices of its member states on continental platforms such as ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The Speaker pointed out that the establishment of the Regional Parliament would not only enhance Sierra Leone’s influence in shaping regional legislation but would also facilitate trade and economic growth, particularly in rural areas.
He called on his fellow leaders to recognize their roles as custodians of regional history and to ensure the parliament becomes a driving force for collaboration and progress.
“Let this MRU Parliament not be a symbolic chamber, but a living body that crafts binding protocols and upholds the principles of inclusion and transparent governance,” he urged.
The session concluded with a call to action for all participating nations to seize the opportunity to institutionalize cooperation for the benefit of their peoples.
The establishment of the MRU Regional Parliament, Thomas insisted, would be a testament to their shared commitment to work together for a more prosperous future.
As discussions continue, the prospect of a Regional Parliament under the MRU framework offers hope for greater integration and collaborative efforts among the member states, promising a brighter future for the region.
