Freetown, Sierra Leone – Member states of the Mano River Union (MRU) have adopted a joint communiqué at the end of a week-long series of high-level financial and administrative meetings in Freetown, aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and regional cooperation.
The communiqué was endorsed at the close of the 16th Ordinary Session of the Technical Commission on Administration and Finance (TCAF), following deliberations by delegates from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The meetings brought together financial experts, auditors, and policymakers to assess the financial status of the MRU Secretariat and review progress on previous recommendations. Discussions focused on the Auditor’s Report for Fiscal Year 2024 and the Internal Auditor’s Report for 2025, which guided efforts to improve financial oversight within the union.
Liberia was represented by officials including Mr. Allison Telee, Assistant Director for Domestic Debt at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), and Mr. Benedict B. Williams, Senior Compliance Officer for Audit Supervision in the Office of the Minister, MFDP.
Speaking at the opening of the session, Mr. Telee emphasized the importance of sound financial management in advancing the MRU’s development objectives.
“Finance is the backbone of any institution,” Mr. Telee asserted. “Strengthening our systems is not just about accountability, but about ensuring that the MRU can effectively deliver on its mandate to the people of our region.”
Delegates said the communiqué outlines key commitments by member states, including strengthening internal controls, improving audit follow-up mechanisms, and enhancing coordination between national institutions and the MRU Secretariat.
Participants also reaffirmed their commitment to implementing past audit recommendations and called for continued capacity-building initiatives to support financial governance across member states.
The communiqué further highlighted the importance of peace and stability as essential conditions for sustainable development in the subregion. Delegates called for continued dialogue and cooperation in addressing emerging border concerns, warning that instability could undermine regional integration efforts.
The Government of Sierra Leone was commended for hosting the meetings and facilitating productive engagement among participants.
The sessions began with Audit Committee meetings from April 9 to 11 and continued with TCAF deliberations from April 13 to 17, as part of the MRU’s annual framework to strengthen governance and accountability.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the resolutions adopted in Freetown will translate into concrete actions to enhance economic cooperation, transparency, and peace across the Mano River basin.
Attention is now expected to shift to implementation, as member states work to translate the communiqué’s commitments into measurable outcomes.