SIDA Provides CENTAL Additional Support

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), represented by its Embassy in Monrovia, has again demonstrated its commitment to the fight against corruption in Liberia by increasing support to the National Integrity Building and Anti-Corruption (NIBA) Program implemented by the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL).

Nearly a year ago (August 5, 2020), CENTAL and SIDA signed a 3.5-year agreement for the implementation of the NIBA program across seven (7) counties in Liberia.

Making remarks at the signing ceremony of the amended agreement on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, CENTAL Executive Director, Mr. Anderson D. Miamen, noted that since the roll-out of the NIBA Program and throughout the implementation of its inception phase, SIDA has shown unprecedented degree of flexibility in granting and approving suggestions and requests made by CENTAL to adjust different activities.

Earlier, the Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia, Johan Romare said CENTAL has been seen as a very strategic partner to the Embassy in its quest to support the fight against corruption and efforts to promote good governance in Liberia.

“CENTAL is very key to Liberia; from our assessment so far, you represent civil society organizations in holding government accountable, and you are doing it in a very strategic way…,” Romare said.

The Embassy’s Head of Development Cooperation further stated: “You’re the eyes, feet, hand, and everything for the Embassy in terms of directly engaging with the fight against corruption in Liberia. You’re the change-maker and we are happy for you.”

The amendment allows CENTAL to purchase another brand new vehicle to implement its NIBA Program in seven counties – Montserrado, Bong, Nimba, Grand Bassa, Rivercess, Bomi and Gbarpolu. Among other things, the Program seeks to empower citizens with relevant pieces of information and independent mechanism to demand for and take meaningful actions against corruption in Liberia.