Rwanda and UN partner on new governance project

The government of Rwanda in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has launched new a program, Inclusive Participation Governance Program (IPGP) to boost the participation of the public in governance issues.

The programme was launched at Kigali Serena Hotel by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs (MINICAF), Protais Musoni. The project will run from 2012 to 2013 with the phase expected to run from 2013-2017.

Minister Musoni said; “The project will contribute greatly in the promotion of accountability and transparency as elements of good governance by addressing issues of governance assessment and dialogue, political participation and media strengthening.”

Implementing agencies of the project include parliament, National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, Media High Council, Rwanda Governance Board, National Forum for Political Organizations, National Electoral Commission, Prime Minister’s Office and MINICAF.

Issues the project cover on media development include Media reform secretariat, Rwanda Media Development Index, media self-regulatory body and implementation of strategy for media main streaming.

Prof Shyaka Anastase, the executive secretary of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), said: “The purpose of this project is to increase informed and pluralistic participation in Rwanda while improving the accountability and transparency of institutions. By enhancing the capacities of civil society, political parties, media and other relevant government bodies to contribute to pro-poor and gender sensitive development processes.”

The project is estimated to cost USD 3,428,496 millions which will enhance the capacities of the civil society, political parties, media and key government agencies to contribute to pro-poor and gender-sensitive development process. The funds were provided by the Belgium Embassy and UNDP.

The project is built around three key components that will ensure critical interventions undertaken in this bridging period and to seize the momentum of on-going governance projects.

The three key components include governance assessment and dialogue, political parties’ participation and media strengthening and also aims at promoting accountability and transparency in local institutions.