Foya's MRU Peace and Development Center Project Under Scrutiny

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The House of Representatives has moved to investigate the construction of the Mano River Union (MRU) Center for Regional Peace and Development in Foya, Lofa County, amid concerns that the project may have been undertaken without legislative approval.

The decision followed a formal communication from Grand Gedeh County District #2 Representative, Marie Johnson, who questioned the legal and financial basis of the project and warned that the Executive Branch may have bypassed constitutional requirements in its execution.

“We are not against peace and development, but we must respect the law,” Representative Johnson told Plenary. “No project, no matter how important, can be carried out with public money without the approval of the people’s representatives.”

She cited Article 34(d) of the Liberian Constitution, which grants the Legislature exclusive authority over public spending and budgetary oversight, arguing that the MRU project, considering its national and regional importance, requires clear legislative authorization.

“We need to know who approved this project, where the money came from, and under what legal authority it was implemented,” she insisted. “Was it in the national budget? Was it donor-funded? Or was it done outside the law? The Liberian people deserve answers.”

The Grand Gedeh lawmaker said allowing the project to proceed without considering a definite account of the source of funding sets a dangerous precedent. “If we allow this today, tomorrow any ministry or agency can wake up and spend public money without accountability,” she cautioned.

In response, members of the House voted to forward the matter to the relevant committees to engage the Executive Branch and demand a detailed report on the project’s funding, authorization, and implementation.

Lawmakers emphasized their support for developmental initiatives that promote regional peace, stability, but say such efforts are not exempted from constitutional and financial scrutiny.

“This House will support development, but we will not sacrifice transparency and the rule of law,” a lawmaker declared during the debate.

The appropriate House's committees are now expected to summon the relevant government ministries and agencies and report back to Plenary, as the Legislature moves to assert its oversight responsibility.

The Mano River Union (MRU) Center for Regional Peace and Development in Foya, which some refer to as the Presidential Villa, has been at the center of controversy following the commencement of its construction in 2025.

Many have accused the President, Joseph Boakia, of building a private property using state resources; although the Executive has clarified that the project is funded by the MRU countries and will be used as a peace and reconciliation dialogue hub in the country.