By Alfred Kollie, alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
MONROVIA— The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Christine N. Umutoni has called on the Liberian government to take concrete action in strengthening decentralization and local governance, as the country officially launched the Ministry of Local Government.
Speaking at the and dedication of a newly constructed decentralization building in Monrovia on Monday, April 20, 2026, Madam Umutoni emphasized that decentralization remains central to Liberia’s development agenda, particularly under the ARREST framework aimed at promoting inclusive growth and improving service delivery nationwide.
She noted that effective local governance is essential because it represents the level of government most visible to ordinary citizens. “When clinics in Zwedru lack medicines, or roads are washed away by rain, citizens turn to mayors and district commissioners not officials in Monrovia,” she said.
Madam Umutoni described the newly dedicated building as a critical hub for coordinating and advancing the implementation of the Local Government Act of 2018, as well as broader decentralization reforms.
She added that the facility symbolizes a transition from policy commitments to practical results, aimed at deepening local participation and improving service delivery across the country.
According to her, the initiative will strengthen institutional capacity within the Ministry of Local Government and bring governance closer to the people.
Reaffirming the UN’s support, Madam Umutoni said agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme and UNICEF, remain committed to assisting Liberia in decentralization efforts, inclusive governance, institutional strengthening, accountability, and citizen engagement.
She stressed that essential services such as clean water, education, and roads are best addressed at the local level, arguing that development decisions should be made by the people directly affected.
“Local leaders cannot hide behind bureaucracy, which often fuels corruption,” she said. “Peace and inclusion are at the heart of the 2018 Act, which was designed to give counties a stronger voice. Peace is not only maintained in Monrovia but sustained daily across the counties by local leaders.”
The launch marks a significant step in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to deepen decentralization and strengthen trust between citizens and the state.