Background

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in January 2005 was a milestone event in the history of the Sudan, ending 22 years of civil war in the country and creating an opportunity to cultivate peace and development. The CPA recognizes the political and administrative autonomy of Southern Sudan in the interim context and keeps the self-determination option open for the south if required. The CPA and the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan have made provision for a three-tiered system in the South, comprising the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), States and Local Government. Within this framework, decentralization mechanisms for Southern Sudan have been built on five pillars: (i) devolution of power – administrative, management and fiscal – to the respective levels of government; (ii) affirmation to common norms and standards on governance that reflect the unity in diversity of Southern Sudan; (iii) welfare of people, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms; (iv) participatory governance as an expression of unity; and (v) pursuit of good governance through democracy, separation of power, transparency, accountability and respect of rule of law.

In this context, the GoSS recognizes the challenges associated with implementing the CPA. It considers the institutionalization of democratic, accountable and participatory good governance at all levels as the most appropriate way to address the challenges and make a conscious move towards institutionalizing democratic good governance.

UNDP seeks to support this process through the strengthening of the institutional capacity of states to adequately plan, set priorities, manage revenue and expenditures and deliver basic services in an equitable manner. The results that are expected to be achieved towards the realization of this objective are: establishment of clear policy frameworks to support the states; establishment and operationalisation of planning and service delivery mechanisms for states; enhancing the capacity of state legislative assemblies for effective legislative oversight and law making; and strengthening the capacity of states in urban management.

Objectives
The project’s objective is to improve the institutional capacity of local government to adequately plan, set priorities, manage revenue and expenditure and deliver basic services in an equitable manner.

Outputs
• Policy frameworks/strategies for supporting decentralized governance formulated
• Enhanced state capacity in planning, budgeting and public financial management
• Enhanced capacity of state assemblies for law making and oversight functions.
• Enhanced state capacity in urban management and rehabilitation of state physical infrastructure.

Snapshots of the project's major achievements
• Facilitated the organization and management of six Governors Forums and four Speakers’ Forum and assisted in preparing reports. The Governors’ Forum for Southern Sudan has become an influential platform for inter-governmental policy dialogue and an effective mechanism for identifying and discussing key policy areas. It is now seen by government, NGOs, UN and other development partners as a forum for high level policy directives including in areas of decentralized governance, planning and budgeting;
• The Speakers‘ Forum of Southern Sudan was established to effectively articulate legislative roles, sharing experiences, and improve coordination with the executive branch of the government.
• Facilitated the establishment of a states Desk in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs to coordinate and facilitate support to the 10 states.
• Substantial technical support provided to State Ministry of Finance Planning Unit in areas of planning, budgeting and public finance with international Planning Specialists attached to these units for developing and implementing planning mechanisms, system and processes;
• All 10 States have prepared States Strategic Plans and completed State Annual Plans for 2009. An integrated planning and budgeting framework is emerging with increasing linkage between county, state and GoSS planning/budgeting processes. States participate in GoSS Budget Sector Working Groups;
• All states have functioning State Planning Development Committees and State Budget Sector Working Groups as sustainable planning mechanisms;
• 110 directors including 70 chairpersons of State Budget Sector Working Groups have been trained and linked to GoSS Budget Sector Working Groups. 301 state officials were trained in regular review and revision of state strategic plans and an additional 317 officials were trained in planning and budgeting. A total of 700 members of State Budget Sector Working Groups received on-the-job training in budgeting and 138 state officials were trained in financial management;
• Helped carry out a study to establish the parliamentary service commission. The report was presented, reviewed and adopted at the 4th Speakers’ Forum;
• 40 officials of state legislative assemblies were trained on their core functions; 27 protocol officers of state assembles were trained on protocols, diplomacy and some aspects of international relations; and
• A concept paper on urban management has been prepared and training guidelines were developed. A consultative workshop reviewed the concept paper and guidelines and adopted an action plan.