The following article originally appeared in the Liberal Democrat Voice and can be found here
 
The Liberal Democrats have had a strong and flourishing relationship with the South African Democratic Alliance (DA) for many years, and we continue to work together through the Africa Liberal Network (ALN) and the Young Leaders Programme. In this series of profiles of our liberal sister-parties overseas, Luke Akal, ALN Coordinator, gives an account of the DA:
On 27-30 January this year, the 13^th annual Africa Liberal Network (ALN) General Assembly is being held in Johannesburg, hosted by South African member party, the Democratic Alliance (DA). The DA is a shining light of liberalism on the African continent and, as the main opposition party in South Africa, is an inspiring model for liberal parties around the world.
Since its establishment, the DA has increased its vote share in every election, going from 12% in 2004 to 22% in 2014, gaining 89 MPs and becoming the main opposition party. In 2009, the DA gained power in the Western Cape province, giving the party an opportunity to deliver on its promises. Over the past 6 years, the Western Cape has seen an impressive decrease in crime, as well as improvement in infrastructure, and demonstrating that the DA is a safe pair of hands in government.
Last year the DA launched ‘Vision 2029’, an ambitious plan to become the ruling government party by the end of the next decade. With the ruling African National Congress (ANC)’s failure to tackle staggering levels of inequality, crime, unemployment and the legacy of apartheid, and the recent crisis in which President Jacob Zuma was forced to appoint his third finance minister within a week, the need for a change of government in South Africa is clearer than ever.
The DA has achieved its impressive growth by running on an unapologetically liberal platform, in stark contrast to the uninspiring and corrupt leadership of Zuma’s ANC. They advocate an ‘Open Opportunity Society for All‘ in which all people, regardless of gender, race or sexuality, are empowered to live their lives, pursue their dreams and develop their full potential.  They stand for a free market economy, in which the role of the government is to provide every citizen with a minimum basic standard of quality services and resources, and have ambitions to significantly extend access to education and health care, tackle the HIV-AIDS crisis and address South Africa’s dangerous carbon footprint through green energy and environmental policies.
At the core of its success is the DA’s unique investment in its youth. Through its Young Leaders Programme, supported by the Liberal Democrat International Office, the DA organises a series of retreats for a group of young members within the party every year, and provides them with mentorship and training in leadership skills, with the long-term goal of empowering the next generation of leaders both within the party and in the country. Alumni from the programme have gone on to become activists, councillors and MPs, and are undoubtedly the future leadership of the party.
The DA faces challenges ahead, with the rise of the Economic Freedom Fighters, a political party exploiting the prevalence of poverty and unemployment and advocating a politics based on division, blame and hatred. But with continued commitment to the principles of liberalism, the DA is well placed to become the future government of South Africa.
The DA is the most diverse party in South Africa, now well-recognised and progressed under the leadership of MP Mmusi Maimane. Maimane, as a previous mayoral and premier candidate for the DA, will address the ALN’s General Assembly on Friday 29 January 2016 on the topic of Principles for Liberal leadership: Shaping the Africa of our dreams. He will address the audience along with the ALN’s President, Olivier Kamitatu.
This year, the ALN General Assembly focuses on the theme “Winning Elections: Strategies, Policies and Solutions for Success”. The ALN’s 44 member parties, from across the African continent, will gather in Johannesburg to share experiences and strategies on how to win elections and achieve liberal governments in their home countries. With the DA gaining ground in South African politics every year, we cannot think of a more appropriate host for this event!
Mmusi Maimane, Leader of the DA, said:

It is our goal to build a South African society based on the core values of Freedom, Fairness and Opportunity for all, where no child is left behind because of the circumstances of their birth. The DA is committed to building a political home for all our people, uniting South Africans around shared values, and ensuring that every single South African has a voice and a say in the future of our nation. 
It is an honour for the DA to be hosting this year’s Africa Liberal Network General Assembly. Internationalism and liberalism go hand-in-hand and we cherish the opportunity to meet and work with our fellow African liberals to help usher Africa into a brighter, more liberal future.

The Africa Liberal Network (ALN) will hold its 12^th General Assembly in Johannesburg, South Africa (27-31 January 2016)
The Africa Liberal Network (ALN) is an alliance of 44 Liberal Democratic parties and organisations from 30 African countries, with the aim to promote liberal democratic principles and international cooperation across the continent.
The ALN holds an annual General Assembly in order to create opportunities for networking and dialogue, ultimately discussing liberal solutions to African challenges. This year’s General Assembly will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, under the theme: Winning Elections: Strategies, Policies, and Solutions for Success hosted by full member, the Democratic Alliance (DA).
The General Assembly will commence on Wednesday 27 January 2016 with an ALN Executive Committee meeting, followed by an array of activities, sessions and workshops taking place from Thursday 28 January 2016 to Saturday 30 January 2016.
Some of the highlights include: An address from DA Federal Leader, Mmusi Maimane MP, who will be sharing his vision for Africa; a word from our long time partners the UK Liberal Democrats and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation; an address from the ALN President Olivier Kamitatu; and regional reports from our Vice Presidents.
We are looking forward to a number of workshops and panels focused around Youth Mobilisation, Strategic Campaign Management and Coalition Negotiation, to name a few. A diverse array of politicians and professionals representing different parties and organisations from around the world will be travelling to Johannesburg to share their knowledge and experience on various topics. Experts include representatives of the Young Liberals of Canada, a member of the Obama re-election campaign team, and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe (ALDE).
We have a number of exciting and engaging events planned; this includes a dinner hosted by Midvaal Mayor, Bongani Baloyi, who will be discussing Midvaal Municipality as a model for liberals in government, as well as a dinner with the DA of Gauteng Province.
The General Assembly will conclude with a visit to the iconic Apartheid Museum and an address from DA City of Tshwane Mayoral Candidate, Solly Msimanga MPL, followed by an excursion to the famous Vilakazi Street in Soweto.
In light of the large number of local, regional and national elections taking place across the continent in 2016, we would like our delegates to leave having participated in constructive dialogue on how to increase their support, manage their election campaigns and, in a number of cases, serve in a government that effectively implements policies based on liberal democratic principles.
The Delegate’s Guide and Briefing, along with other important documents, can be accessed here
Wishing all participants a safe journey, we are looking forward to a successful General Assembly.
For further enquiries, please contact luke.akal@africaliberalnetwork.org
Luke Akal | ALN Coordinator | +27 (0)81 481 3754
 

The Africa Liberal Network conducted its first-ever election observation mission in October 2015. The destination for the mission was the island of Zanzibar, officially part of Tanzania but still with its own electoral system and commission.
The full ALN election observation report can be viewed and downloaded here
The decision was taken by the ALN’s Executive Committee to take part in election observations in order to achieve our broader goals of increasing the Network’s presence through support of liberalism and democratic practices. This experience was invaluable to our observation team, which included two ALN Vice Presidents, Rosemary Kariuki (East Africa) and Stevens Mokgalapa (Southern Africa).
The ALN expresses its gratitude to our long-standing partners of the Friederich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. We thank FNF for their generous assistance and cooperation during the observation mission and look forward to growing our partnership.

Africa Liberal Network media statement by
Stevens Mokgalapa (MP)
Africa Liberal Network Vice President (Southern Africa)
ALN condemns pre-election violence in South Africa
27 October 2015
Release: immediate
The Africa Liberal Network (ALN), the largest political network on the continent consisting of 44 political parties in 30 states, expresses grave concern over reports that our South African member party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), has faced intimidation and violent attacks against its supporters, members and staff in the country’s capital.
We condemn any actions by the ruling party involving alleged theft and destruction of property. It has come to our attention that the African National Congress (ANC) organised attacks against DA supporters during the preparation of the DA’s campaign launch in Tshwane (Pretoria).
The ALN is especially concerned that anti-DA forces physically attacked the party’s members, throwing bricks and rocks at them. We are aware of an incident in which a group of ANC supporters sprayed a fire extinguisher in a kiosk in which DA activists were hiding.
As per our resolution taken at Ouagadougou (2014), the ALN is also committed to the peaceful, democratic transition of power as well as an environment conducive to free and fair elections. To this end, the ALN affirms its support and solidarity with the Democratic Alliance. Additionally, we encourage the DA in its efforts to take the appropriate legal steps and actions with the Independent Electoral Commission and other relevant South African authorities.
Our thoughts are with the innocent DA activists who were injured. We call on the governing authorities to follow due procedure and the South African Constitution. The ALN will continue to monitor the situation and gather support through our international networks if necessary.
 
Media enquiries:
Stevens Mokgalapa (MP)
Africa Liberal Network Vice President (Southern Africa Africa region)
+27 83 275 1779
Luke Akal
+27 81 481 3754
ALN Coordinator
 
 

Africa Liberal Network media statement by Medard Mulangala Africa Liberal Network Vice President (Central Africa)
ALN expresses concern over election and government crises in DRC and the Republic of Congo
 
12 October 2015
Release: immediate
The Africa Liberal Network (ALN), the largest political network on the continent consisting of 44 political parties in 30 states, expresses its concern over the current situation in both the DRC and the Republic of Congo. The ALN is in support of free and fair elections that follow democratic processes according to constitutionalism.
The ALN declared at its 2011 General Assembly (Kinshasa) to condemn and reject in principle any attempts by incumbent political leaders to modify a state’s Constitution in order to further their own interests and retain power beyond recognised term limits. The ALN believes such unconstitutional actions are against the will of the people and can do potential damage to economic and social development. As per our resolution taken at Ouagadougou (2014), the ALN is also committed to the peaceful, democratic transition of power and the limit of presidential terms to two.
Two ALN members, Mr Parfait Kolelas of MCDDI in the Republic of Congo and Mr. Olivier Kamitatu of ARC in the Democratic Republic of Congo, have been removed from their state’s respective governments for refusing to engage themselves and their political parties in these political manoeuvres.
The ALN condemns these practices which go against the republican and democratic values enshrined in its Constitution and which it believes Africa needs for peace, stability and the economic development of the continent.
In the DRC, we condemn the actions taken by President Joseph Kabila to remove the Alliance pour le Renouveau du Congo’s (ARC) Olivier Kamitatu from the government as Minister of Planning. We also condemn any tactics to delay elections in the DRC beyond what is constitutional.
The ALN strongly denounces all forms of intimidation and pressure by governing powers to undermine democracy, freedom and due process. We extend our support to Mr Olivier Kamitatu, President of the ALN, and salute his courage to continue to stand for liberal values and defence of constitutionalism.
In the Republic of Congo, the ALN expresses concern over the referendum which aims at modifying the constitution to allow for President Sassou Nguesso to remain in power. We condemn all steps to undermine the choice of individuals to elect their public representatives in free, fair and constitutional elections. We therefore extend our support to Dr Brice Parfait Kolelas of the MCDDI for his support of democratic values.
In both DRC and Congo Brazzaville, the ALN calls for peaceful, free and fair elections. We urge that all processes are held without harassment or intimidation of opposition, and that credibility and transparency be followed.
Note to editors: The Africa Liberal Network is made up of 44 political parties and organisations from 30 African countries, and is an associated organisation of Liberal International, the political family to which liberal democratic parties belong. It is the largest political network in Africa. The members of the network are bound by a policy stating that they exist to ensure the freedom and dignity of all people through establishing political and civil rights, ensuring basic freedoms, the rule of law, democratic government based on free and fair elections with peaceful transition, ensuring religious, gender, and minority rights, fighting corruption, and establishing free market economies. For more information visit: www.africaliberalnetwork.org.
Media enquiries: Medard Mulangala
Africa Liberal Network Vice President (Central Africa region)
+243849903224

The Africa Liberal Network (ALN) is pleased to announce that our next General Assembly will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 27-31 January 2016. The event is hosted in partnership and collaboration with the Liberal Democrats and the Friederich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF).
Our theme for the upcoming conference will centre on:
Winning Elections: Strategies, Policies, and Solutions for Success
Through this theme, the plenary and breakaway sessions will focus on specific issues, practices and models for the growth of our liberal member parties.
We aim to empower and prepare fellow African liberals for future elections. It is also an opportunity to share experiences and expertise, such as in writing party manifestos as a tool for policy development and winning elections. The related topics of coalition preparation and building, policies, communications, ground support and the involvement of youth form part of the General Assembly’s theme.
Applications to attend the General Assembly are now open.
 
For more information, please contact Luke Akal on luke.akal@africaliberalnetwork.org
 

The ALN extends a warm welcome to the network’s new coordinator, Luke Akal.
Luke has previously worked in Field Operations for the ALN member party in South Africa, the Democratic Alliance. His experience at the party’s Federal Head Office included conceptualising, supporting and monitoring provincial campaigns and projects across three of South Africa’s nine provinces. Luke’s passion in this role was translating policy into action by communicating effectively with South African voters.
Previously, Luke consulted with a South African education company. He holds a degree in Political Science and Communication Science.
Luke is enthusiastic about the opportunity to help grow liberalism across the African continent through the ALN. He believes in the power of liberal values and principles that can empower the hearts and minds of all Africans. Through the ALN, its members and partners, Luke hopes to empower African liberal political parties with the skills and assistance they require to excel.
Looking forward to the next ALN General Assembly, Luke is eager to meet representatives from all ALN members parties. He wishes to form excellent relationships with the entire network as well as its partners, and believes that together, the ALN will continue to grow from strength to strength in Africa’s transformation!

The ALN Executive Committee (ALN ExCom) met in Nairobi from 3 – 6 September to discuss a range of important issues for the network including the upcoming General Assembly. In attendance were ALN President Olivier Kamitatu, Vice President for Central Africa Medard Mulangala, VP for East Africa Rosemary Machua and VP for Southern Africa Stevens Mokgalapa, Iain Gill from the Liberal Democrats and Hubertus von Welck of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. The ExCom was hosted by Rosemary Machua and the Orange Democratic Movement, the main opposition party in Kenya and a key member of the ALN. After two full days of productive meetings, the ALN ExCom held a press conference attended by wide range of media including Aljazeera and the Kenyan Broadcasting Cooperation.

The 2014 ALN annual report has been published! It was a fantastic year for the network, bringing a number of milestones: an increase in membership to 44 political parties from 30 countries, the adoption of a new constitution and the approval of the Marrakech Declaration on human rights.
ALN 2014 annual report – English
Rapport annuel du RLA 2014 – Francaise