Sierra Leone seeks to adopt decentralisation policy

A delegation of visiting Sierra Leonean parliamentarians has revealed that their country is on the course to emulate Rwanda’s decentralization programme in a bid to spur participation in governance and development of the country. The delegation, composed of 17 lawmakers is in the country on a study tour aimed at equipping them with the country developmental and governmental achievements, with special interest on the decentralization policy. Speaking after their briefing with Christine Nyatanyi, the State Minister in charge of Social Affairs Christine Nyatanyi, Bintu Myers — a member of the delegation — observed that his country was open to learn and to emulate Rwanda’s decentralization model. Nyatanyi tabled an overview of Rwanda decentralisation policy and its success since its inception in 2002. “The policy sets out a new course in which citizens, through elected organs at the local level, gain access to decisions that affect their lives. The policy calls for community to plan and manage their own developmental process,” said Nyatanyi. Nyatanyi noted that the policy success is embedded in the Rwandan culture that is based on consultation and consensus building for community development. “This policy has its foundations in the laws of the country as well as in the Rwandan culture. The policy should be put in context before being applied in any country,” said Nyatanyi. Sierra Leone’s Parliamentary Speaker, Justice Abel Strong who headed the group commended the government women empowerment programmes. “Rwanda is a role model to us because of the impressive women representation at all levels of governance and in major decision making organs. We are here to learn how this has been done so that we implement it in our own government,” said Strong. His remarks were supported by Bintu who noted that African countries had a lot to learn from Rwanda. “Sierra Leone’s 127-member parliament has only 17 women as opposed to the over 56 percent women representation in the Rwandan parliament,” Bintu remarked. Upon return home the MPs will table a recommendation report in their parliament based on their findings from Rwanda. “Our central government is looking into the possibility of a decentralizing power to the local council. The Rwanda model is one we would wish to encompass in our own,” said Bintu. The parliamentarians also hailed Kigali as a well-kept and organized city. “Its been impressive to witness the cleanliness in the city and the success the government has had in educating the public on importance of taking charge of the city cleaning activities,” Bintu said. During their stay the group is also scheduled to visit the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion and the Forum for Political Parties before wrapping up their visit on Thursday. Ends

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Sierra Leone seeks to adopt decentralisation policy