The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai has on Tuesday, 7th June 2022 received a report from the Centre for Accountability and the Rule of Law (CARL) and the Institute of Governance Reform (IGR) titled: “Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 Responses on Governance and Accountability Processes in Sierra Leone”, with support from the Irish Aid in Sierra Leone.
The report presents an assessment of the impact of the Development Cooperation Framework (DCF) on NGOs and CSOs after two years of implementation by the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Planning and Economic (MoPED). It also discusses the implication of retaining the policy for NGOs/CSOs working in Sierra Leone.
Making the presentation, the Irish Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Claire Buckley thanked the Ministry for their show of commitment to a spirit of partnership, which according to her, was evident in its setting up of a dedicated DCF Committee, comprising key NGO and national partners, to review the DCF/NGO regulations after two years of implementation.
She said strengthening civil society capacity and space was an important policy and programming for Ireland, adding that the civil societies have a critical role in promoting inclusive and accountable democratic institutions and processes.
On his part, the Minister thanked the Irish Ambassador for the support they have provided for the DCF review process, noting that it was very timely and coming at a time the DCF was been reviewed.
He said that he was pleased that the document would contribute to the body of knowledge already available in the operation of the framework.
“This particular document is spot on and I am sure it will inform the current review process conducted by the DCF Committee. The Irish Embassy are one of our key partners that cover very significant areas in our development trajectory”, said Dr. Kai-Kai.
He said as a Ministry, they would continue to create the enabling environment for NGOs and CSOs to organise and engage with government.
As you may be aware, the Ministry had set up a committee that comprises NGOs, CSOs, and other partners to review the current Development Cooperation Framework— the regulatory policy guidelines for non-governmental organization in the country.
