By Bill W. Cooper
The Liberian Senate has officially repealed the act that established the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), paving the way for the creation of the Ministry of Local Government (MLG).
The vote, which took place on February 6, 2025, reflects the government’s commitment to decentralizing power and enhancing local governance across the nation.
Senators voted overwhelmingly in favor of the repeal, citing the need for a more focused approach to local administration and community development, as the newly formed MLG is expected to empower local authorities, improve service delivery, and foster greater citizen participation in governance.
The move, according to the senate, aligns with the Local Government Act of 2018, which seeks to decentralize governance and empower local authorities, ensuring greater citizen participation in national decision-making processes.
The passage of this act as per the senate’s action is expected to strengthen local governance by devolving more power and responsibilities to local governments, thereby enhancing service delivery and promoting inclusive development.
It was stated as per the passage of the act that despite the dissolution of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, all contracts, orders, and decisions made under its authority prior to the enactment of the new law will remain valid.
The newly established Ministry of Local Government will assume responsibility for overseeing local governments and ensuring balanced socio-economic development across the country.
In response, Senate President Pro Tempore, Nyonblee Kangar-Lawrence emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, “This new ministry will ensure that local governments have the resources and authority they need to address the unique challenges faced by their communities.”
Meanwhile, the MLG will further oversee various functions, including local planning, resource allocation, and community engagement initiatives, as the government plans to implement the transition smoothly over the coming months.
As Liberia continues to recover from years of conflict and instability, this structural change is seen as a crucial step towards strengthening democracy and promoting sustainable development at the grassroots level.