Freetown, Sierra Leone – April 7, 2026 — Ten mayors and chairpersons from All Peoples Congress (APC)-led local councils have written to senior World Bank officials, expressing grave concerns over potential erosion of governance and accountability gains in World Bank-funded projects due to what they describe as politically motivated interference by the central government.
The letter, dated 7th April 2026, is addressed to Robert Taliercio O’Brien, Country Director for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, and Abdu Muwonge, Country Manager for Sierra Leone. It highlights risks to the Accountable Governance for Basic Service Delivery Project (AGBSDP) and other donor initiatives following a disputed move by the Ministry of Finance.
Background of the Dispute
The correspondence stems from a 1st April 2026 letter from the Minister of Finance to the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA). According to the APC leaders, this communication proposes measures that would:
– Create legal ambiguity around the management of donor funds, including Round 3 of AGBSDP subgrants and local revenues such as property taxes.
– Establish a precedent that could undermine over two decades of decentralization efforts and erode public trust in democratic governance.
The APC officials argue that the Ministry of Finance’s response was motivated by a broader disagreement over the appointment of the new Chairman of the Electoral Commission, and that it seeks to circumvent recommendations from the Tripartite Committee aimed at resolving tensions between the government and the APC.
They further claim the government is attempting to leverage the APC’s partial boycott of governance activities (in protest over unaddressed electoral and governance issues) to impose “interim” or acting leadership in APC-led councils, including potentially at Freetown City Council.
Achievements Under Threat
The letter details significant progress achieved under World Bank support in recent years, despite capacity constraints and reported political interference:
– Development of the **Fiscal Decentralization Policy and Strategy** to empower local councils with greater financial autonomy.
– Upgrade of accounting software from the outdated PETRA system to the new PFM Smart software across all 22 local councils, along with provision of solar systems, computers, and internet connectivity.
– Development of manuals and training for councillors on their roles under the Local Government Act.
– Successful implementation of two rounds of development grants, upgrading critical infrastructure such as health centers, schools, markets, and water facilities in rural areas.
– Development of revenue mobilization strategies for 15 district councils with technical, financial, and equipment support.
The signatories emphasize that APC-led councils have contributed meaningfully to these reforms, including the rollout of the new PFM Smart accounting software and management of prior grant rounds.
Strong Warning on Accountability
In a firm conclusion, the leaders state they will not accept responsibility for any ineligible expenditure or adverse outcomes resulting from implementation under what they call “illegally imposed political leadership.” They urge the World Bank to consider the matters raised promptly and reaffirm their commitment to the general good of all Sierra Leoneans, while suspending participation in governance activities where necessary.
The letter is signed by prominent APC local leaders, including:
– Mohammed M. B. Sesay, Chairman, Bombali District Council
– Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Mayor, Freetown City Council
– Abubakar Kamara, Mayor, Makeni City Council
– Aliieu Badara Tarawallie, Mayor, Port Loko City Council
– Abdul Mansarico Mansaray, Chairman, Kambia District Council
– Musa Idriss Kanu, Deputy Chairman, Port Loko District Council
– Abdul Kandeh Turay, Chairman, Karene District Council
– Yabom Teslim Sesay, Chairperson, Tonkolili District Council
– Lawrence Teteh Kargbo, Chairman, Koinadugu District Council
– Kasho Holland-Cole, Chairman, Western Area Rural District Council
Copies were sent to the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Local Government & Community Affairs, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone.
Context of Broader Tensions
This development occurs against a backdrop of ongoing political friction between the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government and the opposition APC, particularly regarding decentralization, electoral reforms, and local governance. Reports indicate the government has moved to appoint acting administrators or empower minority councillors in some APC-dominated councils to ensure continuity of service delivery and project implementation.
The World Bank has invested hundreds of millions of dollars over the past two decades in Sierra Leone’s decentralization efforts, starting with earlier projects like the Institutional Reform and Capacity Building Project (2004) and its successors.
