A group of District Civil Society Organization (CSO) Chairpersons in Sierra Leone has expressed concerns over the ongoing district bilateral budget discussions. In an open letter dated October 5, 2026, they called on the Ministry of Finance and the Fiscal Decentralisation Division (FDD) to increase participation of civil society and other non-state actors in the budget process. The CSO leaders stated that the current process undermines inclusive governance and limits opportunities for citizens to contribute to decisions on public resources.
The CSO leaders criticised the reduced number of civil society representatives and other non-state actors invited to participate in the district budget discussions. They alleged that even when invited, their recommendations often have little influence on final budget decisions. Sectors and local councils frequently proceed with their own proposals, resulting in budgets that do not reflect the views and priorities raised during consultations. This, they argued, defeats the purpose of the bilateral discussions.
The district CSO leaders also raised concerns about the limited timeframe allocated for the discussions. They argued that dedicating only one day to scrutinise sectoral budgets is insufficient and results in rushed processes that prevent meaningful examination of budget proposals. This approach, they stated, weakens transparency and accountability, erodes public trust, and denies citizens the opportunity to engage with decisions affecting their districts.
The CSO leaders emphasised that meaningful participation by civil society and other non-state actors could provide valuable citizens’ perspectives, improve service delivery, and ensure that government budgets respond to community needs and priorities. They stressed that citizens should be treated as key stakeholders in the budgeting process, stating that “as citizens, we are the rightful owners of the budget.”
The district CSO leaders have called on the Ministry of Finance and the FDD to consider their concerns ahead of next year’s budget discussions. They urged the authorities to ensure that civil society and non-state actors are adequately represented and that their recommendations are meaningfully considered in the finalisation of district budgets.
The concerns raised by the district CSO leaders highlight the challenges faced by civil society organizations in participating in the budget process in Sierra Leone. The Ministry of Finance and the FDD have not yet responded to the concerns raised by the CSO leaders. The issue has sparked a renewed debate about the importance of inclusive governance and citizen participation in the budget process.
The district CSO leaders' call for increased participation and transparency in the budget process is a significant development in Sierra Leone's governance landscape. The outcome of their engagement with the Ministry of Finance and the FDD will be closely watched by stakeholders, including civil society organizations, local communities, and international partners.
Key points
- District CSO leaders in Sierra Leone criticize Ministry of Finance for limiting civil society participation in budget discussions
- CSO leaders call for increased transparency and accountability in the budget process
- Ministry of Finance and FDD urged to consider CSO leaders' concerns ahead of next year's budget discussions
