Context
The Supporting Sub National Governance in Libya is a UK Conflict, Security and Stability Fund programme implemented by Crown Agents with an expected implementation period of 2019-2021. The project contributes to the provision of more responsive, inclusive sub-national government services in Libya that support peacebuilding and reconciliation, by supporting the PC/GNA’s efforts to decentralise. The project methodology combines strategic-level engagement and capacity building; support to key decentralisation-related central ministries; and pilot work in municipalities, which aims to inform the development of the PC/GNA’s decentralisation strategies and improve the delivery of services in the target municipalities.
Objectives
The main objectives of the programme are to:
- Strengthen the capability of the Executive at central and municipal levels to implement the emerging local government and decentralisation agenda in Libya in a conflict sensitive way that supports stability;
- Rebuild working relationships between the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) and local municipalities, and with central line ministries to strengthen governance and service delivery arrangements at the municipal level;
- Ensure sub-national government services are more responsive to peoples’ needs, through the incorporation of reconciliation and peacebuilding approaches into local development planning, and by ensuring the needs of women and youth are better understood and their participation is increased.
Approach
With the aim to support both the government and communities in areas which support a unified Libyan Governmentinitial , the initial focus will be with MoLG centrally to be able to better respond to the lack of guidance, legislative clarity and capability to implement commitments to decentralisation. This serves to address the current failings of intergovernmental transfers, low capacity, transparency and diminishing credibility within municipalities. The approach is to ensure commitment, support coordination and promote cooperation between and within different administrative levels of government, supporting the MoLG work more effectively with municipalities on a range of issues that will improve local government capacity and citizen engagement locally. Pilot activities in a number of select municipalities are taken forward to support the objectives above