MONROVIA – Five civil society organizations, under the umbrella of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, have expressed deep concern over the increasing political interference by county legislative caucuses and local government authorities in the operations of county councils. These councils, established under the Local Government Act (LGA) of 2018, play a crucial role in Liberia’s decentralization policy. The civil society groups issued a joint statement on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, condemning the intrusion and calling for immediate action to protect the integrity of local governance structures.
In the press release signed by Madam Loretta Alethea Pope, Chairperson of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, Harold Marvin Aidoo, Sr., Executive Director of Integrity Watch Liberia, Lawrence Yealue, Executive Director of Accountability Lab Liberia, Anderson Miamen, Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia, and Eddie Jarwolo, Executive Director of Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, the organizations emphasized that the Local Government Act was designed to enhance accountability, transparency, and citizen participation in local decision-making. They described recent political interference as a direct threat to these democratic values.
The statement highlighted that county councils are the legitimate bodies tasked with representing the interests of their respective counties, overseeing policy development, and ensuring the implementation of citizen-driven development agendas. However, the groups warned that some political actors are attempting to manipulate these councils for personal gain, which undermines the progress made towards inclusive governance and transparency.
“These intrusions include undue interference in council activities, coercion of council members, and the imposition of decisions without proper consultation,” the civil society leaders said. “Such actions violate both the spirit and the letter of the Local Government Act, as well as the principles of democratic governance.”
The organizations called on all political actors, especially members of the Legislature and Executive, to respect the autonomy and independence of the County Councils, as mandated by the LGA of 2018. They reminded public officials that the law clearly mandates these councils to operate free from political interference and to be guided by the collective will of the people.
“The legitimacy of these councils must be upheld, and their autonomy must not be compromised by individuals or groups seeking to advance personal or partisan agendas,” the statement continued. “Any attempts to subvert their functions not only betray the aspirations of the Liberian people for accountable government but also undermine Liberia’s ongoing efforts towards decentralization.”
The civil society groups urged the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and the Legislature to immediately investigate and address the reported instances of political interference. They warned that any attempts to weaken local governance structures would have lasting consequences on the country’s democratic sustainability and decentralization efforts.
In their statement, the organizations also called on other civil society groups, community-based organizations, traditional leaders, the media, and all well-meaning Liberians to remain vigilant and speak out against current and future attempts to interfere with the activities and functions of County Councils. They stressed that maintaining transparent and accountable local governance is a collective responsibility.
“We must not allow vested interests to erode the gains we have made in decentralization,” the statement said. “The success of Liberia’s decentralization process depends on our collective commitment to uphold the law and resist any actions that undermine the authority and independence of local governance structures.”
The civil society groups concluded by reiterating their dedication to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in Liberia. They vowed to continue collaborating with government officials, citizens, the media, and development partners to ensure the full implementation of the Local Government Act and to protect the rights of all Liberians as enshrined in the law.
As the push for decentralization continues, these civil society groups remain resolute in their fight to protect the integrity of local governance and ensure that all citizens have a voice in shaping the development of their communities.
