The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), with support from the GIZ, conducted a one-day training workshop for local councils and community stakeholders in Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone, on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

The workshop, themed “Empowering Communities, Deepening Democracy: Strengthening Community-Led Governance Through Decentralization in Sierra Leone,” brought together representatives from local councils, community leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of local councils in promoting democratic governance.

During the opening session, Mohamed Sheshu Sheriff, Executive Secretary of the APRM National Secretariat, said the training was part of a GIZ-supported project launched last year, now entering its final phase. He explained that the initiative aims to ensure local governance structures are fully integrated into national governance processes, particularly the ongoing constitutional review.

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“The engagement is significant because it provides an opportunity for local councils to gain stronger recognition and representation in the country’s new constitution, which is expected to be finalized soon,” Mr. Sheriff said. He urged participants to pay close attention during the workshop, highlighting that the discussions would provide valuable knowledge to improve governance and service delivery in their communities.

Mr. Sheriff emphasized that as Sierra Leone strengthens its democratic institutions and pursues sustainable development, effective local governance is critical. He added that decentralization remains a cornerstone of democracy, promoting accountability, transparency, and citizen participation.

The workshop featured a one-hour presentation by Augustine A. Sannoh, Chairman of the APRM Eastern Region. His session highlighted the role of Members of Parliament, the benefits of constitutional accommodation, key advocacy messages, and the importance of local government in democratic governance. Mr. Sannoh also examined challenges within the decentralization framework and the objectives of high-level policy dialogues to strengthen local governance.

Participants engaged actively throughout the training, gaining increased knowledge about the relationship between local councils and central government and understanding the significance of decentralization in promoting accountability and community participation.

At the conclusion of the workshop, Councillor Mattia Wudie of the Bo District Council expressed appreciation to the APRM for organizing the training and sharing critical knowledge. He pledged the council’s commitment to applying the lessons learned and working closely with local authorities to strengthen governance at the community level.