The following statement is issued by the Government of Liberia regarding the MRU Presidential Center for Regional Peace and Development.

The Project:

The project is a Government of Liberia initiative, and it's named “The Mano River Union Center for Regional Peace and Development”. It is not private property, as some political actors and media outlets have insinuated.

It is a strategic asset specifically designed to host sub-regional, regional, and global high-level gatherings, meetings, talks, and conferences focused on mediation, conflict resolution, and economic integration.

It includes a 500-seat conference hall and secure accommodations in nine units for visiting dignitaries. It is situated on approximately 7 acres of land in Foya, Lofa County.

Why the Project:

Liberia is the oldest independent nation in the Mano River Basin, which consists of four countries. Liberia is respected as a regional leader and is looked to for guidance on key issues, including regional peace and security. The center offers a secure and strategic space to host national, global, and presidential dialogues when Liberia needs to do so.

Liberia’s current role on the United Nations Security Council over the next couple of years, as well as its esteemed and respected standing on the sub-regional, regional, continental, and global stage, requires it to be well prepared to support and lead regional dialogues on peace and security beyond the MRU Region. The facility under and within the project would be a significant and strategic enhancement to the country’s current roles.

Why Foya, Lofa County?

Foya District is a strategic location in the northern part of Lofa, situated at the confluence of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, the three founding members of the Mano River Union.  Its distance from the bustling suburban areas of Lofa and other parts of Liberia makes it an ideal geographic hub for cross-border security and conflict and peace discussions. The people of Foya have long been active in dialogues with their neighbors in Sierra Leone and Guinea on regional peace and development issues – through the Makona River Organization.  

The Government of Liberia sees this initiative as a project for the MRU Region to promote peace, security, and cross-border collaboration at different levels.

Why the Confidentiality:

The project's confidentiality was strictly governed by security protocols necessary for constructing facilities with security implications, intended to host high-level officials and events requiring high security and sensitivity. It is unconventional to publish or discuss the blueprints and security layout of a facility designed to host regional and global leaders, VIPs, and other dignitaries while it is under construction; this helps prevent security vulnerabilities.

The unauthorized drone footage that sparked debate about the project posed a risk to the security and integrity of the project and proves the point being made.

As mentioned earlier, the facility is not private property at all, but public property owned by the Government of Liberia, with national, regional, and global implications.

Funding of the Project:

The project is financed through a combination of contributions from national, regional, and global entities, as well as private individuals and businesses. The total investment is estimated at approximately $6.1 million.

The President, government officials, and senior security officials will visit the project site this December as part of his inspection of national development projects.

Regional Launch:

The regional launch of the project will be scheduled after its full completion in 2026. It is anticipated that both national and regional stakeholders will participate. This project affirms Liberia’s role as a peacemaker in the West African region.