UNDP Strengthens Partnership with Ministry of Internal Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia; March 28, 2024: On March 25th, 2024, UNDP Liberia Resident Representative a.i Mr. Louis Kuukpen, met with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Francis S. Nyumalin at his office in continuation of his acquaintance visits with heads of Ministries, Agencies and Commissions.

Mr. Kuukpen congratulated Minister Nyumalin for his preferment and reflected on UNDP’s long-standing partnership with the ministry, in the areas of community development through the Accelerated Community Development Programme (ACDP), peace-building initiatives, and emphasis on decentralization reforms. 

He informed the Minister of UNDP’s role in supporting the process of establishing legal and regulatory reforms through the enactment of laws that promote decentralization. Mr. Kuukpen specifically referred to the passage of the Local Government Act, Revenue Sharing Act, and amendments to the Public Finance Management Act and Revenue Code of Liberia which are crucial for fiscal decentralization.

He noted that UNDP is prepared to support the ministry with advocacy interventions using CSOs for the passage of the Local Government Bill which is very vital in enhancing the implementation of the Local Government Act. Mr. Kuukpen further stressed the importance of the government’s support to County Service Centers which is key for enhanced service delivery at the sub-national level. 

Kuukpen underscored the importance of organizing the Inter-ministerial Steering Committee meeting to set an agenda that reinforces the President’s commitment to decentralization.

For his part, Minister Nyumalin expressed appreciation to the UNDP family, for the continued support provided to the government. 

The Minister emphasized the President's commitment to decentralization stating that - “there is no way Liberia can develop if we do not decentralize”.

He stated that the Ministry is doing everything possible to organize the Inter-ministerial committee on decentralization and promised to ensure that the President chairs the committee as a show of political commitment. 

Minister Nyumalin expressed his strong desire for the passage of the Ministry of Local Government Bill and spoke of plans to organize a stakeholders’ meeting for a final review of the bill before it’s forwarded to the Office of the President.

He spoke of his ministry’s desire to establish a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) as a way of consolidating donor support and strengthening accountability. He said that the Ministry is currently working on its strategic plan and will share same once completed.

Both pledged to work together to promote sustained democratic governance in Liberia.