USAID is helping build the institutions and processes essential to consolidating Liberia’s democratic gains by providing support for transparent and accountable management of public resources at the national and local levels, domestic resource mobilization, an active and engaged citizenry, strong civil society and media organizations, and targeted peacebuilding efforts.
GOOD GOVERNANCE
USAID works with the Government of Liberia to strengthen its capacity and commitment to deliver quality public services to all its citizens. This includes support to anti-corruption initiatives, improvements in domestic revenue generation and the formulation of transparent, predictable, and fair revenue policies that are implemented effectively and efficiently. A key part of improving government performance is increasing the sustainable utilization of information and communication technologies (ICT) within government entities to improve decision-making, management, and accountability. At the local level, USAID provides grants, training, technical assistance, and targeted coaching to county and city government and civil society partners to be more capable, transparent, and responsive to citizens.
ELECTIONS AND POLITICAL PROCESSES
USAID supports the development of local political process organizations, party poll watchers, and a significant Embassy effort to monitor the 2020 midterm Senate election, marking continued progress toward Liberia’s capacity to carry out electoral processes independently and fairly. USAID programs are helping to foster a new generation of Liberian leaders, with a focus on women and youth, and encouraging an active citizenry to vote and engage in public discourse to influence public policies and decision-making. USAID programs specifically promote women’s political participation both as voters and as candidates.
CIVIL SOCIETY AND MEDIA
USAID’s civil society and media programs are focused on increasing access to independent and reliable information by strengthening civil society organizations and increasing their ability to partner with the government in local development and engage in issues-based reforms. USAID support has helped civil society organizations successfully advocate for an increase in the national budget allocation for education and for reforms that bring transparency and accountability to the management of county development resources (County Social Development Funds). USAID is also working to professionalize media houses to promote adherence to journalistic standards and ethics, strengthen the legal environment for free media, and improve the Liberia Information Commission’s responsiveness to requests for information from citizens and media institutions.
CONFLICT PREVENTION AND PEACEBUILDING
USAID’s conflict prevention programs aim to cement Liberians’ hard-won gains in peace and stability. USAID is supporting individuals and communities still dealing with the aftermath of the country’s brutal civil wars to resolve long-standing disputes peacefully, and to prevent the outbreak of violence. Central to these efforts is enhancing constructive engagement across individuals, communities, and ethnic groups, and building trust between citizens and their elected and traditional leaders. USAID programs help build local capacity for reconciliation, especially among women and youth, strengthen social cohesion, improve indigenous Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms, and enhance citizens’ ability to meaningfully participate in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
LAND GOVERNANCE
USAID is working with the Government of Liberia and local communities to strengthen land governance systems through institutional and civil society capacity development. USAID is supporting implementation of the 2018 Land Rights Act, which provides formal recognition of customary tenure to strengthen land access and use rights for local communities. Improving women’s land tenure and their role in decision-making over communal land is a particular focus of USAID programming.