The ECOWAS Commission’s Water Resources Management Centre (WRMC) has intensified efforts to promote Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in West Africa. In a significant move to bolster regional cooperation, the WRMC, under the leadership of Mr. Alexis Kouassi, embarked on a two-day working visit to the Mano River Union (MRU) Headquarters in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from March 12 to 13, 2025.
The visit aimed to revive support for the establishment of the MRU’s Cross-border River Basins Management Authority (CRBMA), a collaborative initiative with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The CRBMA seeks to enhance sustainable water resource management and foster cooperation among Mano River Union member states, which include Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The initiative comes at a critical time as West Africa faces increasing challenges related to climate change, water scarcity, and transboundary water disputes. Effective management of shared water resources is essential for ensuring water security, promoting economic development, and maintaining regional stability.
During the visit, Mr. Kouassi emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in addressing these challenges. “The establishment of the CRBMA is a vital step toward achieving sustainable water resource management in the Mano River Basin. By working together, we can ensure that our shared water resources are managed equitably and sustainably for the benefit of all member states,” he said.
The MRU Secretariat welcomed the WRMC’s renewed commitment to the initiative, highlighting the potential for the CRBMA to serve as a model for other transboundary water management frameworks in the region.
However, the success of the CRBMA will depend on the political will and commitment of member states to prioritize water resource management and regional cooperation. As climate change continues to exacerbate water-related challenges, the effectiveness of such frameworks will be crucial in ensuring long-term water security and sustainable development in West Africa.
The WRMC’s visit to the MRU Headquarters underscores ECOWAS’s commitment to addressing transboundary water issues and promoting regional integration. It also highlights the importance of partnerships with organizations like the IUCN in achieving these goals.
As the region moves forward with the establishment of the CRBMA, stakeholders will be closely watching to see if political will and regional commitment can translate into meaningful progress.
