Editorial: Good neighborliness promotes security and trade

Liberia and Guinea have agreed to strengthen their ties, aiming to enhance trade, cooperation, border security, connectivity, and the prosperity of both countries and their peoples.

In a world of vulnerabilities, isolation is not an option because no man is an island. Instead, we need one another, particularly since both countries are members of regional blocs like the Mano River Union and ECOWAS.  

The sisterly countries renewed their relationship during celebration of the 67^th Independence anniversary of Guinea in Monrovia, pledging their unwavering commitment to each other, while reflecting on the enduring fraternity that has united them over several decades.

As Guinean Ambassador to Liberia, Aboubacar Sylla, noted, during the celebration

 Embracing peace should be a priority not just for security, but for growth and development.

Besides sharing borders, Liberia and Guinea have many similarities, including ethnic and cultural ties that bind their two peoples. Both countries have enjoyed a defense pact that dates back to the late 1960s, when Presidents William R. Tolbert of Liberia and Ameh Sekou Toure of Guinea signed it. 

Liberia’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs, Cllr. Jeddi Mowbray Armah, who spoke at the occasion, reflected on three enduring moments that have solidified this fraternity, including the Liberian civil conflicts, when Guinea opened its doors to thousands of Liberian refugees, not just for shelter but as a lifeline;  sending Guinean troops for peacekeeping mission through ECOWAS, the Mano River Union, conceived in 1973 by former presidents Tolbert (Liberia), Toure (Guinea), and Stevens (Sierra Leone).

These revolutionary leaders sought to transcend colonial boundaries and build a future of economic and cultural integration for prosperity and stability. It is important to uphold these values at all times, regardless of who occupies political leadership in these countries, for the good of their respective citizens.

A people-centered relationship has far more positive impact than government-to-government interest, often driven by narrow geo-political pursuits. The people of Liberia and Guinea are one people, as they have so much in common that no one political leader should be allowed to alter in any shape or form, for leaders come and go, but the people remain.

This is why it is important for the MRU to ECOWAS and even the AU, to uphold unity and collaboration in uplifting our common people. Sadly, it is unfortunate that three member states of ECOWAS —Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali — have left the bloc for reasons best known to their respective leaders, not for the people they lead.

The governments of Liberia and Guinea should do everything necessary to maintain the current bond of friendship and cooperation, not only for regional and sub-regional security and trade, but also for the human development and prosperity of their respective peoples.