A group of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Liberia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote good governance in the Mano River Union (MRU) basin and West Africa at large.

Development Diaries gathered that the MoU, titled ‘CSO Partners for Democracy and Good Governance’, showed that the group’s membership has been inspired by CSOs’ shared desire.

At the signing ceremony, the President of Better Foundation (BFF), Augustine Arkoi, lauded the member, saying that their primary objective was to promote regional and sub-regional peace and security.

He added that members of CSOs will reach out to diplomatic missions, ECOWAS, MRU, African Union (AU), European Union (EU), Embassy of Sweden, French Embassy, and other members of the international community.

The partners noted that the MRU/ECOWAS areas were facing fragility as it relates to peace and security, healthcare, food security, and the consolidation of democracy.

Arkoi further asserted that based on their common interests and synergies in various thematic areas, including human rights, social protection, democracy, and good governance, gender equality, women empowerment, youth development and the rights of children, they will strive in addressing pertinent issues in West Africa.

The CSOs also agreed to provide collective support for each other while attempting to improve citizens’ confidence and trust in their respective governments through CSOs-government dialogues.

Signatories to the MoU were Better Future Foundation (BFF), Foundation for International Dignity (FIND), Harvest International (HI), New African Research and Development Agency (NARDA), and Press Union of Liberia (PUL).

Others were Rural Human Rights Activists Programme (RHRAP), Rights and Rice Foundation (RRF), Regional Watch for Human Rights (RWHR), Women Beyond Borders (WBB), and Youth Beyond Barriers (YBB).

Source: Front Page Africa

Photo source: Front Page Africa