The Liberian Senate has voted to dissolve the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA) and replace it with the newly established Ministry of Local Government to advance decentralization and strengthen local governance.
The decision follows the provisions of the Local Government Act of 2018, which seeks to empower local authorities, enhance citizen participation in decision-making, and improve service delivery at the grassroots level.
Lawmakers believe that shifting governance responsibilities from the national level to local administrations will promote more inclusive development and greater efficiency in public administration.
While the Ministry of Internal Affairs ceases to exist under the new structure, all contracts, decisions, and policies executed under its Authority will remain legally binding.
The newly created Ministry of Local Government will take over the administration of local governance structures, ensuring the continued implementation of development programs across the country.
The Senate’s move is a significant step toward decentralization, a longstanding objective in Liberia’s governance reform efforts.
Proponents argue that giving local governments more autonomy will allow them to address the needs of their communities better, while critics caution that the transition must be carefully managed to prevent administrative disruptions.
