World Bank Document

2. 

Despite the constraints on citizen engagement and civil society, some actions or initiatives 

are possible at the local level. In this context, traditional bodies such as neighborhood associations 

(makhallas) and kinship networks sustain mutual trust and solidarity, though they are dominated by 

mostly male-controlled structures and decision-making. While the constitution provides for rights of 

association and assembly, implementation is weak, with few instances where citizens are able or 

willing to dialogue openly with each other or with government officials. Moreover, truly independent 

CSOs are few and far between. Nevertheless, local communities have come together in the context of 

WBG-financed operations to participate in planning, capacity building, and decision-making.

 

 

3. 

The government is keen to improve its responsiveness and adopt mechanisms which help