School of Politics and International Studies

Democratic Decentralisation and Ethnic Diversity in Africa: The Case of Sierra Leone

Democratic decentralisation is one of the most common governance reform initiatives in many developing countries, especially in Africa where the issue of ethnic diversity remain a critical challenge for political stability and sustainable economic development. However, the debate and drive for democratic decentralisation has been overwhelmed by its potential benefits hinging on the deepening local democratic governance and economic development. Yet the question as to how the multiethnic character of Africa may impinge on democratic decentralisation has blandly been ignored.

Increasingly, local governments are very instrumental to many Africans. As more and more people live in local government jurisdictions, their lives, wellbeing and opportunities depend on the policies and priorities determined by local governments. Democratic decentralisation, itself as a reform initiative is loaded with ‘power’ that could alter power relations in communities where it is introduced. In multiethnic communities, the effects of such alteration could not only undermine efforts at promoting unity and diversity but could also delay the successful realisation of the potentials and objectives of decentralisation. Thus, the critical question is whether democratic decentralisation moderates or exacerbates ethnic divisions or conflict. This question is not only important in contributing to the debate on decentralisation but significantly, it could help unravel the real challenges of local governance and the potentials of democratic decentralisation generally in Africa and in particular, Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone, like many countries in Africa has a multiplicity of ethnic groups (eighteen) often living and sharing the same local government jurisdictions. Whether these ethnic groups have had friendly or not so friendly relations, democratic decentralisation demands practices for more cooperation and better coexistence. A responsibility, that is now squarely placed at the foot of Local Councils, through their use of devolved authority and responsibilities over service delivery. While there is little succour in the evidence across Africa on better understanding, tolerance, and accommodation among national ethnic groups, democratic decentralisation in Africa provides an extraordinary opportunity to learn from local governments on such issues.

This research is an attempt to build on existing knowledge on local governance in Africa. It goes beyond the surface institutional and policy descriptive analysis of the problems, challenges, and opportunities of democratic decentralisation, to assess its impacts on ethnic relations; an issue which has received very little attention in the literature.