Monrovia, Liberia – A delegation of Liberian civil society leaders has engaged top Swedish officials in high-level discussions aimed at bolstering democracy, strengthening accountability, and intensifying the fight against corruption. The dialogue underscored the essential role of civil society in holding public institutions accountable and ensuring citizens’ voices remain at the center of governance.
Representatives from Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), and Integrity Watch Liberia led the discussions with Helen Edwards, Director General for International Development Cooperation, and Swedish Ambassador to Liberia Karl Backéus. They underscored the need for stronger civic engagement, emphasizing that without active public participation, democratic governance risks becoming ineffective.
The civil society leaders highlighted both progress and persistent challenges in Liberia’s democratic journey. While acknowledging strides made in peacebuilding and institution-building, they expressed concerns over the lingering threats posed by corruption and weak transparency mechanisms. They stressed that civil society is pivotal in bridging the gap between government policies and public accountability, advocating for continuous international support to sustain reforms.
Sweden has been Liberia’s key development partner, championing initiatives promoting transparency, good governance, and citizen participation. The discussions reinforced the importance of this partnership, with civil society actors reaffirming their commitment to pushing for a more accountable and inclusive political system. The leaders expressed gratitude for Sweden’s steadfast support, noting that sustained collaboration will ensure long-term democratic stability.
