The Guinean government's commune classification system, established by decree A/2026/872 on October 13, 2026, has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability. The system categorizes the country's 378 communes into three types based on criteria such as population, economic activity, and infrastructure. However, the decree does not provide detailed information on the financial data used to support these classifications, making it difficult to verify the accuracy of the rankings.
The classification system assigns communes to one of three types: A, B, or C, with Type A communes receiving the highest level of public services. The decree establishes that communes with a population of 60,000 or more, or those that serve as regional or prefectural capitals, will be classified as Type A. However, the decree also notes that a commune can be classified as Type A if it meets only one of these criteria, leading to inconsistencies in the classification process.
One of the main limitations of the current system is the lack of transparency in the classification process. The decree does not provide detailed information on the financial data used to support the classifications, making it difficult for citizens to verify the accuracy of the rankings. Furthermore, the use of qualitative criteria such as "major centrality role" and "intermediate level of equipment" can lead to subjective interpretations and inconsistencies in the classification process.
The commune of Boffa, in the Boke region, is cited as an example of the limitations of the current system. Despite being a prefectural capital, Boffa is classified as Type B, while other communes with smaller populations are classified as Type A. This inconsistency highlights the need for a more transparent and accountable classification system that takes into account a range of factors, including financial data and infrastructure.
In response to these limitations, a proposal has been put forward to establish a new classification system based on measurable and verifiable criteria. The proposal suggests using indicators such as fiscal potential, revenue collection rates, and infrastructure development to classify communes. This approach aims to provide a more accurate and transparent classification system that reflects the real needs and capacities of each commune.
The proposed system would also introduce a distinction between fiscal potential and revenue collection rates, with the former used to guide equalization and the latter used to condition state support. This approach aims to encourage communes to improve their revenue collection rates and provide better services to citizens. The proposal also suggests establishing a national fiscal census to provide more accurate financial data for the classification process.
The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization (MATD) is expected to review the current classification system and consider implementing reforms. The proposed changes aim to improve the transparency and accountability of the classification process, and to provide a more accurate reflection of the needs and capacities of each commune. The implementation of a new classification system is expected to have a positive impact on the delivery of public services and the development of local communities.
Key points
- The Guinean government's commune classification system lacks transparency and accountability.
- A proposal has been put forward to establish a new classification system based on measurable and verifiable criteria.
- The proposed system aims to provide a more accurate and transparent classification system that reflects the real needs and capacities of each commune.
