„Local actors need real influence over decision-making“

The humanitarian sector is under pressure. Needs are increasing, while many countries restrict their funding for humanitarian activities. A reform of the system is urgently called for. Dr. De-Joseph Kakisingi explains the important role of local and national actors in this process.

Why is it necessary for the planning and implementation of humanitarian measures to be in the hands of local and national actors?

It is necessary that the planning and implementation of humanitarian measures be entrusted to local and national actors, because they have a better understanding of the context and are more familiar with community habits. They live in the context and are present before, during, and after crises, which allows them to make rapid assessments and implement the appropriate response to the needs experienced by communities in crisis. They have a strong community base with high acceptance and can interact with communities, introducing new approaches such as community-led responses or anticipatory humanitarian actions with community support quite easily.

What needs to change so that local and national actors can take on this role?

For local actors to assume this role, clusters must be coordinated by local leadership. Clusters are coordination groups organized by sector, like health, shelter or food security. Humanitarian Country Teams, the main coordination bodies that brings together UN agencies, NGOs, and other key actors, must include local actors with real influence over decision-making. Country-Based Pooled Funds, a humanitarian financing mechanism managed by UN OCHA, must adopt participatory decision-making with local actors at the table. A substantial share of the Pooled Funds must be allocated to local and national actors, and access conditions must be relaxed. A more flexible and faster-to-activate locally led pooled fund must also be developed in order to respond as quickly as possible. It should be able to pre-position funding with local and national NGOs and activate the initial response within 48 hours, while awaiting the arrival of larger-scale humanitarian activities.

How important are partnerships with organizations from the Global North in order to provide effective humanitarian action?

Northern organizations have a better understanding of donor requirements and the various procedures. They have a good reputation among donors and are trusted. They act as a guarantee to donors within the partnership and, at the same time, as a safeguard for local stakeholders to ensure they do not exceed donor requirements and standards. Together, this constitutes an effective duo for, on the one hand, accessing and better managing funding in line with donor requirements and, on the other hand, providing a rapid, tailored response to the contexts and needs of affected communities.

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Dr. De-Joseph Kakisingi, President of Cadre de Concertation des ONG Nationales (CCONAT), is a humanitarian leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo and possesses over a decade of experience providing humanitarian aid.

Interview