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1 – 8 of 8This has sparked the growth of ethnic Zarma self-defence militias, known locally as ‘zankai’. These militias reflect broader communal self-defence efforts, often arising because…
Dicko met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Algiers claimed the meetings with northern armed groups were part of a mediation effort regarding which Malian authorities…
The region has nonetheless seen waves of protests and some inter-communal clashes and terrorism over the past decade and more. Moreover, there are strong grievances in the south…
Kidal has served as the political capital of various northern armed groups since 2012. Its capture follows the August outbreak of hostilities between the ruling junta and the…
In February, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced that Algeria is planning free trade zones with Niger and Mali, despite increasingly volatile ties with the latter. That same…
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DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB285987
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
LIBYA: Eastern army ties with Russia will be strong
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DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES283199
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Prime Minister Abdul Hamid al-Dbeiba hopes to win over Amazigh leaders with the promise of language recognition and other rights, largely to consolidate his position in the…
Philippe J.C. Lassou, Mladen Ostojic, Jacky Ulrich Barboza and Olayinka Moses
This research aims to examine the introduction of participatory budgeting (PB) in local governments in two Francophone countries, namely, Benin and Niger, and how local contextual…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to examine the introduction of participatory budgeting (PB) in local governments in two Francophone countries, namely, Benin and Niger, and how local contextual factors influence its practices.
Design/methodology/approach
The research employs a multiple case study design with a comparative approach to analyze the introduction and practices of participatory budgeting across selected municipalities in Benin and Niger. Hopper (2017) and Lassou et al.’s (2018) notion of “pragmatism” within neopatrimonialism is mobilized to analyze the data from sources including interviews and documents. The analysis is conducted at both the country and local government levels.
Findings
Participatory budgeting took roots in a number of municipalities. Its introduction and adoption has promoted participatory governance especially from traditionally marginalized segments of society (e.g. women); albeit to varying degrees, in the face of the prevailing national neopatrimonial context. Furthermore, despite donor's push for a standardized model of PB implementation, actual practices took varying shapes, a consequence of differing local conditions and circumstances.
Research limitations/implications
In terms of limitation, it was not possible to access a number of research participants sought, particularly in Niger. But access to key documents from government, donors and civil society organizations help mitigate this to a large extent.
Practical implications
A major practical implication is the importance of adaptation to local socio-economic contexts and circumstances. As shown in the study, a blanket introduction and implementation of PB across societies based on a standardized model is unlikely to succeed and be sustained in the long run. A great deal of flexibility is required to accommodate indigenous realities on the grounds.
Originality/value
The study contributes to shed light on public sector budgeting regarding participatory budgeting practices in an under-researched setting: Francophone Africa.
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