The Federal German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development with support from the European Union has launched a project to be implemented by Deutsche Geselischaft fur International Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Christian Sedat, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to South Sudan, said the multi-donor action will strengthen local governance and peaceful coexistence in South Sudan.
“It is fundamental to simultaneously empower civil society on institutional transparency, accountability, access to resources and basic services,” said Sedat during meeting with members of the local government board in Juba on Friday.
He said the action strives to increase the transparency of local administrations and to ensure development needs of the public are considered, by training local administrative staff and facilitating joint planning sessions with the communities.
The three-year action plan is jointly co-financed by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ.
Gabriel Leonte, the Head of Cooperation of the EU in South Sudan, said that public institutions closest to the population including local authorities have key role to play to safeguard vulnerable populations and communities.
“This action contributes to Team Europe Initiative (TEI) which supports good governance, peace and rule of law for a just society, aiming at contributing to a successful transition of South Sudan,” Leonte said.
“We support the German government in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. Through our work we assist people and societies in shaping their own future and improving living conditions,” he disclosed.
The project aims to strengthen the capacity of communities and civil society, including women, youth and those living in marginalized situations, to participate and engage in inclusive peacebuilding, recovery and reconstruction.
The lead executing agency of the project is the South Sudanese Local Government Board, which works under the Office of the President and is legitimized by the Local Government Act 2009.
The Action which is scheduled to run from January 2024 to December 2026 will be implemented at subnational level in 6 partner counties: Akobo, Aweil West, Manyo, Mundri East, Terekeka and Yei.
In South Sudan, GIZ works on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The project Strengthening Local Governance and Peaceful Coexistence in South Sudan is co-funded by the European Union.
