- Says it undermines foundational principles
Monrovia, Liberia — A coalition of prominent civil society organizations, including the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, Integrity Watch Liberia, the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia, Accountability Lab Liberia, and Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, has condemned what it considers as ongoing political intrusions that threaten the integrity and functionality of county councils across the nation. These actions, they assert, undermine the foundational principles of the Local Government Act (LGA) of 2018, which is pivotal to Liberia’s decentralization efforts.
The Local Government Act serves as a cornerstone of Liberia’s commitment to decentralized governance, aimed at enhancing local governance, fostering accountability, and encouraging citizen participation in decision-making processes. Any attempts to undermine these structures are seen as direct violations of the democratic values enshrined in the 1986 Liberian Constitution and other governance frameworks.
County councils, established by law, are tasked with representing the interests of their respective counties. They are responsible for developing local policies and overseeing the implementation of citizen-driven development agendas. However, recent reports indicate that certain political actors are attempting to manipulate these councils for personal gain, jeopardizing the progress made toward inclusive governance and transparency.
Incidents of undue interference in council activities, coercion of council members, and the imposition of decisions without proper consultation have been reported. Such actions not only violate the spirit of the Local Government Act but also threaten the ongoing implementation of regulations designed to promote transparency and citizen engagement in the allocation and utilization of resources.
In light of these developments, the coalition of civil society organizations has called on all current and prospective political actors—particularly members of the Legislature and the Executive—to respect the autonomy and independence of county councils as mandated by the LGA. They emphasize that these councils must operate free from political interference, guided by the collective will of the citizens they represent.
“The legitimacy of these councils must be upheld; their autonomy must not be compromised by individuals or groups seeking to advance personal or partisan agendas at the expense of good governance,” the organizations stated.
The coalition has also urged the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and the Legislature to investigate and address instances of political interference. They warn that any attempts to subvert the legitimate functions of county councils not only undermine Liberia’s democratic decentralization efforts but also weaken local governance structures, betraying the aspirations of the Liberian people for a more inclusive and accountable government.
Furthermore, the civil society organizations are calling on all stakeholders—including community-based organizations, traditional leaders, the media, and citizens—to remain vigilant and speak out against any interference in the functions and processes of county councils and local government structures.
“The fight for transparency, accountability, and effective local governance is a collective one. We must not allow vested interests to erode the gains we have made toward decentralization and democratic sustainability,” they asserted.
In conclusion, the coalition reiterated that the success of Liberia’s decentralization process relies on the collective commitment to uphold the laws of the land and resist any actions that undermine the authority and independence of local governance structures. They remain resolute in their mission to promote good governance, transparency, and accountability in Liberia.
The civil society organizations pledged to continue advocating for the full implementation of the Local Government Act and the protection of the rights and interests of all Liberians, as enshrined in the LGA of 2018 and other relevant laws.
