Monrovia, Jan. 21 -- In a landmark move aimed at bringing governance closer to the people, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has officially transitioned into the Ministry of Local Government. The shift marks a definitive step in the implementation of Liberia's long-standing decentralization agenda, signaling an end to the highly centralized administrative structure that has defined the nation for decades.

The transition was confirmed on Tuesday by the Minister of Local Government, Francis Nyumalin, who emphasized that the change is not merely symbolic but is a statutory requirement.

According to the Minister, the rebranding and restructuring are grounded in the Local Government Act (LGA), which was passed by the Legislature and signed in...