Independent Recourse Mechanism (IRM) of the African Development Bank Group

 **IRM Celebrates Conflict Resolution Day with Accountability Partners**   On Conflict Resolution Day, IRM was honored to participate virtually in an insightful event organized by fellow Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAMs) in Washington, D.C. The gathering brought together representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and IAMs to discuss two critical questions in two thought-provoking roundtables: § How can CSOs contribute to the dispute resolution process to improve outcomes for the parties involved? § What can be done to make dispute resolution more effective in responding to conflicts? Kudos to our colleagues from the Independent Accountability Mechanism (IAM), U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Independent Project Accountability Mechanism of the European Development Bank, Compliance Advisor Ombudsman of the International Finance Corporation and MIGA, and the Project-affected People's Mechanism of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank for organizing this important event. Together, we continue to explore ways to make dispute resolution more inclusive, effective, and impactful! #ConflictResolutionDay #DisputeResolution #IAM #CSO #GlobalPartnerships #Sustainability

🎉 Exciting Announcement! 🎉   I am thrilled to share that Ms. Mariam Diawara has been appointed as the Acting Director of the Independent Review Mechanism at the African Development Bank, effective 1 September 2024. Ms. Diawara will continue to serve as Executive Secretary of the Sanctions Appeals Board, a role she has held since December 2013. With over 30 years of legal experience, including 18 years at the African Development Bank, Ms. Diawara brings a wealth of expertise to this position. Her career spans complex litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and managing strategic development projects across the Bank's Regional Member Countries. Throughout her impressive tenure, Ms. Diawara has played a critical role in shaping Bank operations, including the negotiation of key loan agreements and institutional reforms. She has also contributed significantly to the Bank’s decentralization efforts, helping establish offices in countries like Algeria, Angola, Burundi, and Togo. Ms. Diawara holds a master’s degree in international business law and management from ESSEC Paris, and a DESS in International Administration from Université de Paris 2. She is also an active member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the African Arbitration Association. Reflecting on her new appointment, Ms. Diawara expressed her deep commitment to good governance and enhancing the Bank's reputation through this independent role. Congratulations, Ms. Diawara! Wishing you continued success in this new chapter! 🙌 #Leadership #AfricanDevelopment #GoodGovernance #Law #DisputeResolution #WomenInLeadership #LegalProfessionals

The Independent Recourse Mechanism (IRM) of the African Development Bank (AfDB) is excited to be attending the 21st Annual Meeting of the Independent Accountability Mechanism Network (IAMnet) in Manila, Philippines, from October 1-4, 2024. This significant gathering, co-hosted by the Accountability Mechanism of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Independent Redress Mechanism of the Green Climate Fund (IRM/GCF), has brought together over 70 participants from 23 institutions, both in-person and online. The meeting features 9 insightful sessions that delve into key issues shaping the work of Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAMs), such as managing policy reviews, improving collaboration in complaint handling, and addressing challenges in dispute resolution cases. Another highlight of the event is the opportunity to engage with civil society representatives, gaining valuable perspectives on enhancing accountability and increasing the effectiveness of IAMs. Looking forward to fruitful discussions and shared learnings! #IAMnet2024 #Accountability #DisputeResolution #Sustainability #Collaboration #CivilSociety

An update from the IRM Director…

By employing a throwable microphone in its engagements with community members the IRM can help to literally amplify the voices of communities so they can communicate their concerns about bank-financed projects (and have at the same time!) This is just one of the innovations that the IRM is pursuing in its efforts to improve its accessibility. #communityvoices #africa #accountabilitymatters

🌍 Record Engagement with the Independent Recourse Mechanism over past 3 years! Over the past three years, the Independent Recourse Mechanism (IRM) of the African Development Bank has received an unprecedented 13 complaints. This milestone reflects the growing trust and confidence that project-affected communities have in our commitment to transparency and accountability. 📈 Raising Standards and Improving Projects Each complaint received is a crucial opportunity for us to enhance the quality and impact of the projects we finance. By addressing concerns head-on, we ensure that our projects not only meet but exceed global standards for sustainability and social responsibility. 🤝 Enhancing Sustainable Development Our proactive approach to complaint resolution helps us create better outcomes for everyone involved. By listening to and acting on feedback from affected communities, we can drive more inclusive and sustainable development across the continent. 🛠️ Building Trust and Accountability Thank you to all who have engaged with us over the past three years. Your voices are essential in our mission to create lasting, positive change. Together, we are building a future where every project contributes to the well-being and prosperity of all stakeholders. Learn more about the IRM in our latest Accountability Report: https://lnkd.in/eQb-izzZ #SustainableDevelopment #Accountability #Transparency #Africa #CommunityEngagement #Sustainability

🚀 Job Opportunity: Principal Social and Environmental Compliance Officer 🌍 We’re excited to announce that the Independent Recourse Mechanism of the African Development Bank is recruiting for a Principal Compliance Officer in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire! 🔍 Position Details: - Role: Principal Compliance Officer - Grade: PL4 - Location: Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire - Closing Date: 03-Aug-2024 Join us in providing fair, independent, and effective recourse to individuals, workers, and communities impacted by AfDB-funded projects. This role involves conducting compliance investigations, reviews, liaising with stakeholders, and ensuring adherence to the Bank’s policies and procedures. 💡 Key Qualifications: - Master’s degree in Law, Economics, Environmental Law, or related fields - Minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience - Expertise in compliance, non-financial audit, or development work - Strong leadership and analytical skills 📢 How to Apply: Interested candidates can view the full job description and apply here: https://lnkd.in/e49qxNCN Be part of our mission to promote sustainable development and ensure no one is left behind! #Hiring #JobOpportunity #ComplianceOfficer #EnvironmentalCompliance #Sustainability #AFDB

📢New Complaint from Cameroon Registered by the Independent Recourse Mechanism (IRM). 📅 Recently, the IRM received a new complaint (RQ2024/05) concerning the Transport Sector Support Program phase 1: Development of the Batchenga-Ntui-Yoko-Lena Road in Cameroon. This complaint was filed by three members of the Ntui - Ndjolé road community who allege negative impacts from the project. 🔍 Complaint Background The complaint follows a first referral to the IRM on November 20, 2023. After preliminary examinations and discussions, the IRM held a virtual meeting on December 21, 2023, to gather more information. In-person meetings were conducted in Yaoundé in February and May 2024, but despite attempts to engage the local GRM the complainants did not receive a response. Consequently, the complaint was escalated to the IRM. 🏠 Complainants' Concerns The complainants, whose property is alongside the road, allege to have not received compensation since 2020. They reported multiple grievances, including difficulty accessing their properties, creation of a hazardous ravine, and an unfair compensation process where some families were compensated while others were not. They have requested the Bank's intervention to obtain due compensation and restore their impacted properties. 🌍 Project Details The first phase of the program involves developing the Batchenga-Ntui-Yoko-Lena road, spanning approximately 248.60 km. This road is part of the national roads RN15 and RN6, and the provincial road No. 15A, located in the Center and Adamaoua regions. The project was approved on November 26, 2014, with a total estimated cost of UA 333.031 million, and is expected to be completed by December 23, 2025. 📝 Next Steps After a preliminary assessment, the IRM found that the complaint met the registration criteria and registered the complaint on July 2, 2024. The IRM will now proceed with further steps to address the concerns raised by the complainants. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of this case and the IRM's interventions. For more information visit: https://lnkd.in/ekc8T7ki #Cameroon #Cameroun

Where does the IRM receive its complaints from? In brief, the complaints submitted to the IRM come from all over Africa, but we seem to get more from East and West Africa. Some have suggested that more complaints come from regions where populations are more empowered to voice their concerns publicly. We have not undertaken a comprehensive analysis of this (and we probably don’t have sufficient volume of complaints to draw any statistically relevant conclusions), but there may be some relationship. What do you think? To learn more about the IRM’s complaints visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eQb-izzZ #complaints #africa #development

Merci pour votre présentation perspicace et votre contribution à ce qui a été, de l'avis de tous, un événement très réussi.