Bong Citizens Prepare to Protest Amendment to Local Government Act

• Bong County citizens are uniting to protest changes to the Local Government Act.
• The planned protest aims to challenge proposed amendments by the House of Representatives.
• If adopted, the amendments would take away budgetary oversight from County Councils.
• Local governance advocates stress the importance of maintaining citizen participation in development.

Increased Protest Against Local Government Changes

Bong Citizens Mobilize Against Proposed Amendment A significant wave of unrest is brewing in Bong County as residents prepare to rally against proposed changes to the Local Government Act (LGA) of 2018. The group, operating under the banner “United Citizens for Mass Action Against the Repeal of the Local Government Act of Liberia,” intends to stage a peaceful protest in Gbarnga this coming Monday. This planned protest responds directly to a proposal from the House of Representatives aiming to amend fundamental sections of the LGA that currently empower County Councils, specifically calling into question Sections 2.2 (e) and (f).

Protest Aims to Preserve Local Governance

Authorities Fear Loss of Local Autonomy The amendment in its current form is seen by activists and local governance advocates as a rollback of decentralization efforts within Liberia. If these changes were to go into effect, control over local budgets and development strategies would shift back to the national Legislature situated in Monrovia. Critics argue this could severely stifle local governance and diminish citizens’ voices in pivotal developmental questions. Mr. Aaron G. V. Juakollie, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for International Dignity (FIND), emphasizes that the upcoming protest aims to highlight these implications, holding the view that the integrity of the LGA is crucial for community empowerment.

Protest to Deliver Unyielding Message

Broad Participation Anticipated in Upcoming March Energy around the protest is palpable, with diverse groups ready to join forces. Bong County Council Chairperson, Mr. Aaron Sackie Fenlah, stated that citizens across all districts—youth, women’s organizations, and civil society advocates—will participate together in solidarity. A formal petition will be presented to local authorities during the protest, urging them to oppose the proposed amendments. “This is not just about policy; it is about our fundamental rights,” declared Fenlah. Observers and governance advocates stress that unity and grassroots support would be vital in advocating for local democracy. The scheduled march, set to kick off at 9:00 a.m., aims to illustrate the community’s demands loud and clear.

The upcoming protest in Bong County is poised to be a critical moment for local governance in Liberia. Citizens are mobilizing to defend their local authority and voice against proposed changes to the Local Government Act that threaten to re-centralize decision-making power. The outcome of this protest could have lasting implications for the state’s commitment to decentralization and local empowerment.