By Hassan Osman Kargbo
On Saturday, 9 August 2025, a significant step was taken towards resolving land disputes and strengthening cross-border cooperation as the Sierra Leone National Land Commission and the Liberia Land Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on land management and border governance. The agreement was signed during a three-day working visit by a Sierra Leonean delegation to Liberia, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations, sustainable development, and peace along their shared borders.
The signing ceremony took place in Liberia, with Mr. Abubakarr Sappay Foray Musa, the Commissioner General of the Sierra Leone National Land Commission, and Honourable Samuel F. Kpakio, the Chairman of the Liberia Land Authority, representing their respective countries. This MoU is seen as a proactive move to address ongoing land disputes and establish measures to prevent future conflicts, particularly in border communities.
In his address at the ceremony, Mr. Musa emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating that it marked a new chapter in land governance for both nations. “This MoU underscores our mutual commitment to ensuring clear land demarcations, protecting land rights, and promoting peace and economic stability for border communities,” he said. He also pointed out that the agreement would foster cooperation in key sectors like agriculture, trade, and environmental conservation, which are critical to the growth and sustainability of both countries.
The MoU aligns with the broader vision of both countries to improve land administration, secure land rights, and promote sustainable management of land resources. Honourable Kpakio acknowledged the progress made by the Liberia Land Authority, which was established in 2017 under the Land Commission Law of 2016, noting that despite challenges in the Authority’s early years, it has made significant strides in improving land governance across Liberia.
“This MoU aligns with our shared vision to strengthen land governance, promote responsible land administration, secure land rights, and enhance sustainable land management in both countries,” said Kpakio.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Ambassador Luseni Kallon, the Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone to Liberia. Ambassador Kallon praised the initiative, calling it a milestone in regional diplomacy and cross-border cooperation. He expressed confidence that the agreement would help resolve long-standing issues related to land disputes and provide a framework for the equitable management of land resources between the two nations.
Officials from both sides expressed optimism that the MoU would serve as a model for cross-border land governance in the Mano River Union region, a subregional body that includes Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The hope is that the agreement will not only resolve land disputes but also ensure that future conflicts are addressed through dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation between the two nations.
The Sierra Leone delegation included several key figures, such as Mr. Abubakarr Sappay Foray Musa, Commissioner General of the Sierra Leone National Land Commission; Mr. Samuel Navo, Commissioner for Land Title Registration; Dr. Alfred Bockarie, Commissioner for Cadastre and Index Mapping; Mr. Abdul Kabba, Head of IT; and Mr. Amadu Kamara, District Land Commissioner for Bombali District.
The MoU is expected to strengthen land governance, ensure clarity in border management, and provide a framework for collaboration between Sierra Leone and Liberia in the coming years. With both nations committed to addressing their shared challenges, the agreement marks a hopeful step towards building stronger, more cooperative relationships and sustainable land management practices in the region.
