Suakoko District, Bong County – Liberia is expected to advance its decentralization efforts and strengthen local governance following a high-level roundtable organized in partnership with the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO), Local Government Minister Francis Sakila Nyumalin has said.
Speaking Thursday during a visit to the scenic Koatawee Waterfalls in Bong County, Minister Nyumalin said the Government of Liberia and AARDO brought together experts from across Africa and Asia to exchange ideas and explore practical approaches to improving local governance and rural development.
“The conference ends tomorrow, and we decided to use today to showcase some of Liberia’s development projects and tourism potential. Because our discussions have focused on local government, we visited a County Service Center and other development facilities before bringing our guests to Koatawee,” Nyumalin said.
According to the minister, about 27 experts from 23 countries, including representatives from AARDO headquarters in India, are participating in the conference.
He said discussions have largely centered on decentralization, one of the key priorities of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration.
“The President wants to see governance brought closer to the people through the devolution of authority, fiscal responsibilities, and decision-making powers. We invited these experts to share their experiences so Liberia can learn from successful models in Africa and Asia,” Nyumalin said.
Nyumalin expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the conference, noting that participants had offered valuable recommendations that could help advance local governance reforms across Liberia.
The roundtable, which began earlier this week, will conclude on Friday with final technical sessions and a closing ceremony expected to be attended by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County.
Chiefs to Be Added to Government Payroll
Responding to questions about the government’s decision to place traditional chiefs on the national payroll, Minister Nyumalin confirmed that implementation is already underway.
“The President made the announcement on Monday during the opening of the roundtable, and we are now working to implement that directive. In collaboration with the Civil Service Agency, all 1,800 chiefs are expected to be placed on the government payroll between July 1 and July 10,” he said.
The initiative is seen as a significant step in Liberia’s decentralization process and is expected to improve the welfare and effectiveness of traditional leaders throughout the country.
For his part, AARDO Secretary-General Dr. Nanoj Nardeosingh of Mauritius described the conference as an important opportunity for Liberia to strengthen local governance and build institutional capacity.
“There are many opportunities available through AARDO. Liberia is a member of the organization and contributes to its activities. Next month alone, ten scholarships will be available in the area of local governance to help build the capacity of local government officials,” Dr. Nardeosingh said.
He also welcomed Liberia’s proposal to establish a Local Government Institute, describing it as a crucial step toward professionalizing local governance and clarifying the responsibilities of local leaders nationwide.
Dr. Nardeosingh praised President Boakai’s decision to place chiefs on the government payroll, highlighting the critical role traditional leaders’ play in maintaining peace and resolving disputes at the community level.
“Our chiefs often resolve issues that never make it to the courts. “They are custodians of the land, grassroots leaders, and peace-builders. They deserve compensation, and we are encouraged by the President’s commitment to supporting them,” he said.
Speaking about Bong County, Dr. Nardeosingh said all 40 Paramount Chiefs are expected to benefit from the initiative, along with more than 200 Clan Chiefs and several Zone Chiefs.
“Hundreds of traditional leaders in Bong County stand to benefit from this policy. It is a positive development, and we hope that Town Chiefs will eventually be included as well,” he said.
The AARDO roundtable is expected to produce recommendations aimed at deepening decentralization, strengthening local governance institutions, and promoting sustainable rural development across Liberia.
