Can decentralisation contribute to promoting rule-of-law structures? The Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi as examples

Decentralisation can enable a country's population to exercise political influence at regional and local level. This presupposes a willingness to assume responsibility. It also presupposes that those in power are willing to hand over some of the power. Together these two factors can foster rule-of-law structures. This paper describes the constitutional and administrative framework for decentralisation in DR Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. It also explores the actual situation in those countries with reference to legal literature from those countries. In addition, it raises questions regarding the effect of instruments of international law on the decentralisation processes (international organisations, regional integration and international cooperation). KEYWORDS: Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, decentralisation, rule of law, international law, regional integration