Congo/ Democratic governance: local elected representatives enhance their skills

As part of its "Support for local governance and training of elected representatives in the Republic of Congo" project, the Centre d'action pour le développement (CAD) organized a capacity-building workshop for municipal and departmental councillors on human rights and democratic governance in Brazzaville on August 29.

The local councillors and other participants in this workshop came from various localities. They learned what their daily tasks really should be. At the same time, these elected representatives shared their experiences before expressing their views on what hinders their regalian missions. During this time of sharing experiences and knowledge, participants discovered certain behaviors and techniques that should characterize their work.

Discussions focused in particular on democratic governance, local authority management and human rights. The aim of this capacity-building workshop for local elected representatives was to encourage them to integrate a human rights-based approach into the definition of local policies. The workshop, whose mission was to ensure improved knowledge, skills and abilities, is a tool that meets the interests of both elected representatives and local authority officials. "We learned about three themes. It was a really important moment because we learned a lot. Today, we understood that we don't have to wait for government subsidies, but we can also sign partnerships or raise funds for the good of our communities. We have a duty of accountability to the population ", explained Ewo community councillor Ngali Bertille.

For the organizers, awareness of the true role of the local elected official will not only help to re-establish a bridge between the governors and the governed, but also to perpetuate spaces for dialogue, while facilitating the consideration of the needs of the population in the definition of local policies.

According to DAC Program Manager Guerschom Gobouang, the workshop provided training for local elected officials (municipal and departmental councillors) in democratic governance, local authority management and human rights. The aim was also to identify at least one local councillor who could act as a link between communities and the human rights project in his or her constituency. They also shared the needs prioritized by the communities, before demonstrating the importance of maintaining dialogue with the communities.

The "Support for local governance and training of elected representatives in the Republic of Congo" project, financed by the United Nations Democracy Fund, supports capacity-building for local elected representatives to enable them to make the best decisions and promote respect for human rights and the strengthening of participatory democracy at local level. The project advocates governance based on respect for human rights.

Source: www.adiac-congo.com/