P r i n c e t o n U n i v e r s i t y | W o o d r o w W i l s o n S c h o o l | 31 of
further
fragmentation
and
lay
the
strengthen the capacity of central Ministries,
foundation for the development both of strong
these efforts risk undermining prospects for a
central and local institutions in the future.xiii As
well-functioning, unitary state.
a major donor to existing stabilization efforts, the United States has an important role to play in shaping the international community’s approach. The United States should lobby the UN to articulate a clearer medium-term strategy for decentralization and support to municipal authorities, under which the various international efforts can align. 2.vi: Prioritize technical and financial support to central Ministries within existing U.S. decentralization programs The UN’s Stabilization Fund for Libya (SFL) has provided material and technical assistance to municipalities attempting to restore public services; however, building the capacity of the central Ministry of Planning to manage municipality priorities has proved more challenging, with corruption and capacity issues hindering attempts to disburse funds to municipal levels or to enhance central oversight of service delivery. In addition to the SFL, a number of countries (including the United
States)
run
concurrent
local
stabilization programs, many of which focus on working with municipal authorities in an ad hoc way. Without concurrent support to
The United States should consider prioritizing U.S. technical and financial support to the Ministries of Planning and Local Government, within existing decentralization programs, to strengthen
their
capacity
to
oversee
decentralized service delivery and distribute municipal revenues.
