The Ministry of Internal Affairs, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Liberia, officially joins other African countries to observe in observing the African Day of Decentralization and Local Development (ADD), celebrated annually on August 10.
This observance is anchored in Article 20 of the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralization, Local Governance, and Local Development, adopted on June 27, 2014, which calls on African Union (AU) Member States to champion decentralization and local development as pathways to inclusive development and accountable local governance.
For the 2025 celebration, the African Union has selected the general theme, “Building resilient communities through inclusive decentralisation and equitable development.” This theme strongly aligns with our national priorities, particularly efforts to strengthen local governments, promote civic participation and inclusion, and ensure that all communities can actively shape and benefit from the country’s national development efforts.
Under the leadership of His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Government of Liberia continues to prioritize inclusive, people-centered development through the ARREST Agenda of Inclusive Development (AAID), which places decentralization and local governance at the core of national transformation.
Decentralization is a key enabler of the core pillars of the AAID, especially in improving health service delivery, education, justice, and local economic growth.
This year’s commemoration presents an opportunity for us to reflect and dialogue as a country on the transformative role of decentralization in building resilient communities and advancing equitable and sustainable development.
Liberia continues to make meaningful progress, and together, we celebrate major milestones, including the passage of the Local Government Act (LGA) in 2018 and the recent passage of the Act for Concurrence by the House of Representatives for establishment of the Ministry of Local Government by the Liberian Senate.
The Ministry acknowledges the important role of county authorities, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, development partners, and the media, and encourages all actors to reflect on the gains made and to continue to support the decentralization process as a driver of national unity, resilience, and inclusive growth. In the spirit of national collaboration, the Ministry also calls on the National Legislature to continue to demonstrate strong political will and sustained support.
As Liberia joins its fellow African countries in marking this important occasion, the Ministry of Liberia (MIA) reaffirms its commitment to the principles and goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and to the realization of a locally driven and people-centered development agenda that empowers communities, strengthens service delivery and advances national unity and prosperity.
