Evaluating Target 1 of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030): A Call for Strengthened Road Safety Institutions in the Mano River Union

Background

Road traffic deaths and injuries remain a leading cause of premature mortality in the Mano River Union (MRU) countries: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire. As part of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, Target 1 mandates that all countries establish a comprehensive, multisectoral national road safety strategy with measurable targets and supporting institutions.

Objective

This project, is part of RSAI advocacy efforts and it is designed and undertaken to evaluates the progress of the four MRU countries against 14 indicators under Target 1, focused on institutional structure, data systems, and sustainable financing. The findings aim to inform national policymakers, transport ministries, and donor partners of critical gaps and recommended reforms.

Assessment Framework: Target 1 Indicators

A. Institutional Foundations
  • A1.1.1 Lead Agency designated and secretariat established
  • A1.1.2 Legal status of Secretariat confirmed
B. Strategy and Partnerships
  • B1.2.1 Projects for implementation identified
  • B1.2.2 Partnerships and coalitions functioning
  • B1.2.3 Crash data collection system proposals in place
C. Data and Analysis
  • C1.3.1 Road safety/traffic unit operational
  • C1.3.2 National tracking of injuries and deaths by road user type
  • C1.3.3 Blackspot analysis and remedial actions
  • C1.3.4 Fatal crash investigations normalized
  • C1.3.5 Reporting systems for traffic deaths and injuries
D. Targets, Budgeting, and Financing
  • D1.4.1 SMART national road safety targets defined and monitored
  • D1.5.1 Annual and medium-term road safety budgeting in place
  • D1.6.1 Funding sources for road safety identified
  • D1.6.2 Dedicated road safety financing established

Findings: Country-by-Country Evaluation

Indicator Liberia Sierra Leone Guinea Côte d’Ivoire
Lead agency exists Partial Yes Weak Yes
Legal mandate Not established Yes No Yes
Strategy & projects defined Yes Partial Limited Yes
Data systems & analysis Weak Inconsistent Non-existent Emerging
SMART targets & monitoring Weak Outdated Absent Defined
Budgeting & sustainable financing Irregular Limited Absent Basic mechanisms

Key Observations

  • Côte d’Ivoire is the only MRU country with a legally mandated lead agency (OSER), a national strategy with measurable targets, and developing data systems.
  • Liberia and Sierra Leone have foundational frameworks but lack legal institutionalization and funding sustainability.
  • Guinea adopted a strategy in 2021 but lacks functional institutional and monitoring infrastructure.

Recommendations

  1. Formalize the Legal Mandate of Lead Agencies: Governments should expedite the legal establishment and empowerment of national road safety agencies.
  2. Set and Monitor SMART Targets: All countries must define quantifiable road safety targets and track performance through regular reporting.
  3. Strengthen Data Systems: Establish national crash data systems that capture location, severity, and user-type information for use in policy planning.
  4. Secure Sustainable Financing: Allocate dedicated funding in national budgets and explore donor-backed financing for implementation.
  5. Institutionalize Crash Investigations and Blackspot Remediation: These practices should become standard in road safety operations.

Conclusion

The Decade of Action is halfway through. Without urgent institutional and financial reform, MRU countries risk falling short of the SDG 3.6 target. Strengthening the foundational elements of Target 1 is not optional—it is the gateway to saving lives and building safer transport systems for all.