Liberian Decentralisation team visits

A Liberian commission in charge of decentralization, is in the country on a study tour to pick lessons from Rwanda on how it has successfully implemented its decentralisation policy According to a press release from the Ministry of Local Government, the Liberian delegation headed by the Chairman of the Liberian decentralisation commission Yarsou Weh-Dorliae met with senior government officials in the Ministry of Local Government including the Minister, Protais Musoni. During their visit to Rwanda, Minister Musoni explained why Rwanda chose to take on decentralisation. “From 1996 to 1998 Rwanda held several consultative meetings which resulted to the adoption of decentralisation,” reads the statement. The statement also continues to quote Musoni as telling the Liberians that the adoption of decentralisation was made by a ministerial meeting held in May 2000 and the implementation process began in 2001 and then elections of local leaders were conducted. It adds, “Minister Musoni described how Rwanda also carried out territorial restructuring and that decentralisation has helped Rwanda in achieving capacity building among its citizens, promotion of good governance, promotion of joint partnership and good service delivery.” The minister is also quoted in the press statement as saying that Rwandans now have access to quick services that have been brought close to them and a State budget is now planned from the lowest level of government; a Joint Action Plan Forum was formed to assist in development, reads the statement. Musoni pointed out that culture plays a big role in decentralization, citing the role Gacaca, Ubudehe, performance contracts (Imihigo), and Itorero among examples. Normally in the implementation of decentralisation according to Musoni, the central Government keeps close to the local government and assists in terms of advice how to implement certain policies. Musoni also explained that Rwanda has a public accountability day where the local leaderships present its achievements, challenges and future plan to the citizens. The head of the Liberian Commission for decentralisation said his entourage has learnt a lot from Minister Musoni and added that his country would consider adopting the same policies. Ends

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Liberian Decentralisation team visits