Monrovia, Liberia – A final communiqué supporting the establishment and operation of a Mano River Union (MRU) Transboundary Water Nucleic Acid Management Office was approved by participants in a three-day regional validation workshop in Monrovia on Wednesday, December 18, 2025. This represents a major step toward regional collaboration in water resource governance.
The workshop, which was held in Monrovia from December 16–18 under the NUVAD-X framework, brought together government representatives, technical experts, and development partners to examine institutional, technical, and financial challenges related to transboundary water management in the MRU basin.
A comprehensive set of proposals aimed at improving regional cooperation, securing international funding, and guaranteeing sustainable and equitable governance of shared water resources were released by participants at the conclusion of the discussions.
One of the main suggestions is to urge Guinea and Liberia to join the 1992 Water Convention as soon as possible. Participants stated that this would assist establish a favorable institutional framework for drawing in outside finance and bolstering legal cooperation on shared water resources.
In order to encourage public ownership of the legislative provisions creating the Transboundary Water Nucleic Acid Management Office, the communiqué further calls on the MRU General Secretariat, working with member states, to launch extensive information, awareness, and outreach efforts.
The workshop suggested establishing a Water Resource Observatory once the new office is fully operational and financially independent in order to enhance scientific monitoring and data-driven decision-making.
Acknowledging transitional limitations, participants also suggested an interim administrative solution, suggesting that the MRU Secretary temporarily designate the MRU expert who spearheaded the initiative to set up the office, guaranteeing continuity and successful operational take-off.
Additional suggestions include submitting the draft instruments to the sectoral ministers of the relevant nations for official approval and harmonizing the French and English versions of the legislative texts to prevent inconsistencies.
Speaking at the concluding ceremony, MRU Deputy Secretary General Madam Ama Gborie Foday expressed confidence that the outcome would withstand ministerial examination and applauded the quality of interaction over the three days, characterizing the process as “highly consultative.”
“It’s been a brilliant three days. I have a good feeling that this will be a strong document we can confidently present to our ministers,” thanking delegates, facilitators, and partners for their commitment,” he added.
Participants did, however, also convey their sincere gratitude to the Liberian government and people for their gracious hospitality, as well as to technical and financial partners for their ongoing assistance with regional water governance initiatives.
As the workshop came to an end, MRU member states reaffirmed their commitment to cooperating and sharing accountability in order to successfully operationalize the MRU Transboundary Water Basin Management framework, which is regarded as essential to regional development, stability, and sustainable water usage.
Participants referred to the final communiqué’s adoption in Monrovia on December 18, 2025, as a critical turning point in the MRU’s progress toward cooperative and integrated water resource management.
