The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Youssouf Ali, has commended Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone for agreeing to pursue a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to ongoing border tensions.
In a statement issued following a high-level tripartite summit held in Conakry on March 16, the AU chair welcomed the commitment demonstrated by the leaders of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone to strengthen border cooperation and promote regional stability under the framework of the Mano River Union.
Ali praised the three governments for choosing dialogue over confrontation, noting that their decision aligns with key African Union frameworks, including the Constitutive Act of 2000 and the 2009 Non-Aggression and Common Defence Pact. He described the move as a “significant achievement” and a reflection of growing commitment to African-led solutions in resolving continental challenges.
“The spirit of cooperation, good neighbourliness, and mutual respect shown by these Member States reinforces the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes,” the statement said.
The AU Commission Chairperson also acknowledged the role played by Economic Community of West African States and other international partners in facilitating the outcome, describing the agreement as a model for conflict prevention and resolution across Africa.
He further applauded the countries’ decision to convene a Mano River Union summit within the next month, aimed at revitalizing the regional body and strengthening dialogue on peace, security, and development.
Ali reiterated the African Union’s continued support to the governments and peoples of the three nations as they work to consolidate recent progress and advance long-term regional stability.
The Mano River region, long affected by intermittent border tensions, is now being hailed as an emerging example of diplomacy and cooperation in West Africa.
