Liberia is poised to take a leading role in West Africa’s regional integration efforts as House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon is expected to become the first Speaker of the newly established Mano River Union Parliamentary Body (MRUPB).
The official induction of the MRUPB is set to take place in Monrovia from July 18 to 21, 2025, bringing together high-level parliamentary delegations from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Multiple diplomatic and legislative sources confirmed that Speaker Koon has emerged as the consensus candidate to lead the regional body, following months of behind-the-scenes negotiations and strategic consultations within the Mano River Union (MRU) framework.
His expected election is being hailed as a significant diplomatic achievement for Liberia, further elevating the country’s regional profile and affirming its commitment to peace, democratic governance, and subregional cooperation.
“This is a momentous development not only for the Speaker but also for Liberia’s regional standing,” said a senior legislative aide close to the MRUPB process. “To have a Liberian lead such a historic institution at its inception speaks volumes about the country’s credibility and leadership within the MRU.”
The MRUPB represents a major institutional innovation for the Mano River Union, which has long been viewed as a critical bloc for fostering peace, stability, and development across the West African subregion. The new parliamentary body is designed to function as a deliberative, consultative, and oversight organ, promoting democratic governance, the rule of law, and legislative accountability within the MRU space.
The MRUPB will also be endowed with legal personality, as well as full administrative and financial autonomy, giving it the mandate and tools to engage meaningfully on key regional issues. Each member country will be represented by between five and fifteen legislators from their national parliaments, ensuring both broad participation and national inclusiveness.
If elected, Speaker Koon is expected to serve a four-year term as the inaugural chair of the body—an opportunity analysts say reflects both Liberia’s renewed assertiveness and Koon’s rising stature as a regional statesman.
“The symbolism is powerful,” said a regional political analyst based in Abidjan. “Liberia, once torn by conflict, now preparing to lead a new regional parliament—it sends a message that democracy and diplomacy are maturing in West Africa.”
The formation of the MRU Parliament follows years of advocacy from civil society groups and national leaders across the Union who have long argued for a formal legislative body to provide oversight, harmonize laws, and advance regional cooperation.
Earlier this year, MRU heads of state gave their final endorsement to the MRUPB following a technical feasibility study, which concluded that such a body would yield substantial socioeconomic and political benefits.
Among its expected priorities are harmonizing legislation around regional trade, migration, environmental management, and cross-border security.
“The MRU Parliament will play a critical role in addressing cross-border challenges that no single country can solve alone,” said one diplomatic source. “This is about building a stronger, more unified region through shared laws and legislative collaboration.”
As host of the inaugural induction and frontrunner for the top leadership position, Liberia is being viewed as a trailblazer in this next phase of MRU development. Speaker Koon’s expected election is seen as both a personal and national victory—highlighting Liberia’s stability and its commitment to democratic norms at a time when some neighboring countries face internal political uncertainty.
“We are proud that Liberia is taking the lead,” said a member of the Liberian delegation involved in the MRUPB process. “This is not just about hosting an event; it’s about shaping the future of regional cooperation and showing that Liberia is ready to lead from the front.”
With the historic induction just days away, anticipation is mounting in political and diplomatic circles. The launch of the MRU Parliament is not only a foundational moment for regional integration, but also a clear indication that West Africa is moving toward more structured, people-centered governance models—where national parliaments work together to solve shared problems.
