Extension of the mandate of MONUSCO – Safety in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo ANADER welcomes the extension of the mandate of MONUSCO until 30 June 2013. ANADER welcomes the progress made since the arrival of MONUC, now MONUSCO. The contributions of MONUSCO are not limited to improving security; rather it remains a key player in ensuring peace and reconstruction in DRC. Examples of this include the progress made in mapping DRC, poverty reduction projects, assistance to the independent electoral commission, and the training of the Congolese army. However, ANADER remains very concerned about the security situation in the East. Human rights violations remain and violence is a permanent occurrence. It is clear that the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo is still unable to control the security situation. Wrongly or rightly, the people of North Kivu and South Kivu feel deserted, left to the fate of the armed groups. In this regard, ANADER demands that MONUSCO troops be increased in the east of the territory and supports a mandate for the use of armed force as authorized by Chapter 7 of the United Nations Charter. It is imperative to give a strong signal to the various armed groups who, believing in their impunity, continue to perpetrate the worst abuses. ANADER wishes to highlight the content of the annual report of the Committee of UN sanctions on the Democratic Republic of Congo which accuses Rwanda of supporting the army mutiny in the eastern DRC in providing military equipment and weapons to the M23 rebels. Furthermore, it appears that Rwanda provides support and protection to General Bosco Ntaganda, who is sought by the International Criminal Court for war crimes. The publication of the United Nations clearly points the sponsors of insecurity in eastern DRC, a fact which cannot be ignored when they should be working towards the stabilization of the DRC by extending the presence of MONUSCO. ANADER calls for Rwandan officials to immediately cease all acts aimed at destabilizing the eastern DRC and calls on the international community to make every effort to ensure that Rwanda continues its actions. Moreover, ANADER urges the governments of DRC and Rwanda to open direct dialogue in order to put a definitive end to suffering of the people of eastern DRC. ANADER calls for international courts to investigate warlords who systematize the worst violence including sexual violence. In collaboration with the Congolese judicial authorities, there must be a greater commitment to prosecute violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. The presence of MONUSCO must give the Congolese Government an excuse for its failure to discharge its obligations to the people. Despite its very low democratic legitimacy due to the massive fraud that marred the legislative elections, the Government must make every effort to ensure the protection of the population. ANADER calls for the Government to continue training the armed forces and security in partnership with our partner countries. ANADER also asks the Government to take all initiatives aimed at the restoration of state authority throughout the national territory, including disputed areas. This objective implies that the Government reforms justice and public administration and the relentless fight against corruption. Finally, ANADER solemnly requests the Congolese Government to organize, on time, democratic, peaceful and transparent provincial and local elections; contrary to the recent presidential and legislative elections. For ANADER A. Bweya-Nkiama International Officer

On 5 May 2012, members of the Africa Liberal Network (The Network) from across East Africa and the Horn of Africa met in the historic city of Addis Ababa at the invitation of the Ethiopian Democratic Party (EDP). Together, they came to agree a draft Liberal Manifesto for Africa based on their parties’ own guiding principles. This document sets out twenty proposals to implement those principles.
The delegates included representatives from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of Kenya, the Civic United Front (CUF) of Tanzania, the Seychelles National Party (SNP), Liberal Democratic Transparency (LDT) of Uganda, and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Sudan, as well as welcome observers the Peace, Unity and Development Party (KULMIYE) of Somaliland. This document will be submitted to the Africa Liberal Network General Assembly in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, in October 2012, for debate, amendment and adoption.
A Liberal Manifesto for Africa
On the African continent, Liberal Democratic parties actively campaign to promote political and civil rights, develop a democratic culture and ensure good governance. African liberals believe that development must be founded on the principles of economic, environmental and social sustainability. Governments should promote free markets within an overall policy framework that enables all individuals to participate fully in economic life. Finally, liberals aim to promote peace and stability across the African continent, and call for greater regional integration and cooperation as a way to ensure long-term prosperity. In order to achieve these objectives, the Network has agreed the following key principles and actions:
Political Reform and Civil Rights
The Africa Liberal Network believes that Africa’s long-term development can only be assured when political and civil rights are secured for all people. Power comes from the people and is expressed through regular, free and fair elections. The Network believes in the rights of the individual; rights which are not given to each of us, are not given to any of us.
1. Separation of Powers: The different and independent roles of the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary must be respected. Elected Heads of State should only serve a maximum of two terms in office, not exceeding five years each, so as to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of one individual for a prolonged period. The Legislature, as an assembly of representatives of the people, should play a greater role in oversight of the Executive, in addition to creating laws. The Judiciary should be impartial and independent.
2. Elections: Elections should be open, transparent, and meet the provisions of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. The Network calls for full ratification of this Charter and the implementation of its provisions, and for AU monitoring processes to be fully compatible with the highest international standards.
3. Freedom of Expression and Association: Free expression of ideas should be realised for the people of Africa through the establishment of diverse outlets for expression, with equitable access to the media for all citizens.
4. Political Parties: There must be recognition of the vital importance to democracy of political parties as a vehicle for the promotion of ideas. We believe that political parties have a responsibility to represent the views and needs of constituents. The Network calls for the establishment of fair and equitable conditions for all political parties to play their role freely and effectively. At the same time, there must be clear separation of the functions of the ruling party and Government; public resources must not be abused to meet the objectives of one party. The Government has an obligation to act in the interests of the whole population.
5. Rights: The Network upholds the protection of all fundamental human and political rights, as set out in international declarations such as the UN Declaration on Human Rights. The application of fundamental human and political rights of Africans as individuals should not be unduly constrained by the state in its desire to promote common goals. Liberals believe that recognised and secure private property rights are vital, not only to economic development, but also to underpin individual civil and political rights.
6. Devolution of Power: The Network believes that devolution of power creates wider opportunities for individuals to participate in local affairs and to contribute to the development of communities. Mechanisms should provide for the equitable distribution of national resources.
7. Good Governance and the Rule of Law: The Network is committed to the highest standards of professional conduct in public administration. Openness, accountability, an independent civil service, and the rule of law are essential tools in the fight against corruption. Impunity must be addressed and those found culpable of misconduct should face the full force of the law.
8. Civil Society: The role of civil society should be recognised in all states. The Network calls for the provision of a legislative framework which will enable civil society groups to operate freely and effectively and promote the betterment of society through advocacy for the rights and needs of the people.
Economic Development
Liberals believe in the promotion of free enterprise and fair trade. The Network wishes to promote widespread prosperity through the development of entrepreneurship and the empowerment of the private sector.
9. Trade: African liberals are committed to increase intra-African trade by easing of barriers to international exchange of goods and services. The Network will seek to persuade the World Trade Organization to allow preferential tariff reductions between African states.
10. Economic Freedom: The Network believes that each government in the region should encourage the development of markets, without favouring particular businesses, in order to encourage individual entrepreneurs in all sectors.
11. The Enabling State: We believe that government has a vital role to play in enabling all people to participate fully in the economy. This must include enabling economic opportunity for all in a diversified economy, ensuring adequate provision of education, health services and support for disabled people and senior citizens; and addressing unemployment.
12. Public-Private Partnerships: Liberals supports public-private partnerships and see a need for governments to invest in areas that do not attract private investment but are essential for the public.
13. Agricultural Development: The Network will support investment in agricultural technology and skills to improve productivity and profitability. The Network will encourage the development of agricultural processing companies in rural areas to provide jobs. This will reduce over-dependence on limited land and rural-urban migration.
14. Environmental Sustainability: African liberals will work to preserve our natural resources for posterity. We will campaign for water, land and ecosystems to be used sustainably; for investment in clean energy generation; and for governments and peoples to earn their fair share of the profits of minerals, through levying of taxes, rents and charges on extractive industries as appropriate. The Network believes that enterprises should practise corporate social responsibility.
Peace and Stability
The Network wants Africa to be a peaceful and stable continent. The Network and its member parties are committed to working with sovereign states, international and regional organisations, civil society groups and non-state actors to end violent conflict both within and between African states. Where conflict does emerge, the Network is committed to supporting conflict resolution at every level, beginning at the local level, from traditional to national and international institutions.
15. International Relations: The Network calls for the respect of international law and norms, as well as the territorial integrity and sovereignty of African states; while recognising the validity of the Responsibility to Protect Doctrine (R2P) that regimes can forgo their sovereign rights if they commit extreme violence against their own populations. The Network demands an end to proxy conflicts and their negative impact on individual lives and continental prosperity.
16. Regional Integration: The Network believes that regional integration is the key to long-term peace and prosperity and calls for the creation and enlargement of free trade blocs as a prelude to ending protectionism on the African continent. The Network wants to unite the people of Africa and calls for greater investment in communications and infrastructure, in addition to the easing of visa restrictions. The Network actively supports the creation of new institutions and treaties which ensure greater cooperation between nation states to address transnational threats such as terrorism, piracy, corruption, environmental degradation and the illicit trafficking of people, drugs and arms.
17. Humanitarian Values: The Network calls for greater preparedness and cooperation in cases of humanitarian emergency. The Network defends the right to seek refuge in neighbouring countries, while recognising that this requires an urgent coordinated response in order to minimise the stress on those affected, the host state, and the international community.
18. Human Rights: The Network urges the further development of the international legal system and wants to ensure that when credible evidence emerges of grievous human rights violations or crimes against humanity, a comprehensive investigation follows, with the accused judged by a competent court. Where this is not possible at the national level, the Network believes that regional and international courts should assume this role. Those found guilty should be held responsible for their actions while ensuring that the threat of punishment does not perpetuate a conflict which could otherwise be resolved.
19. Conflict Resolution: The Network actively supports all indigenous efforts to address the legacy of violent conflict; including attempts to rehabilitate and reintegrate individuals culpable for crimes against their own communities during civil conflicts. The Network recognises the positive impact of the process of truth and reconciliation, whilst acknowledging that this may not be appropriate in every case.
20. Arms Trade: The Network calls for African governments to re-examine their military expenditure urgently and reallocate resources towards promoting greater peace and stability on the African continent, including AU- and UN-mandated peacekeeping forces which can help to stabilise conflicts. The Network urges stronger international action to curb the arms trade which is a scourge on African development. Furthermore, the Network calls on all African states to cooperate with global efforts to ensure greater transparency in this industry.
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The participants would like to thank the following individuals for their assistance in drafting this document: the Africa Liberal Network President, Dr Mamadou Lamine Bâ; the Head of Policy at the Liberal Democrats, Mr Christian Moon; and the Chair of the Social Liberal Forum, Dr David Hall-Matthews.

The 188th Liberal International Executive Committee:
• condemns in the strongest possible terms the unconstitutional seizure of power in Mali by members of the armed forces on 22 March 2012.
• stresses that the coup d’état threatens the national unity and further risks undermining the democratic culture which has evolved in Mali over the past two decades
• supports the statements of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Union (AU) and joins their calls for restoration of the constitution
• regrets the severity of the Tuareg rebellion in the North, especially the migratory pressures and influx of arms following the conflict in Libya
• pledges solidarity with liberal and democratic forces in Mali and calls for the restoration of fundamental freedoms for the Malian people
• calls for suspension of Mali from ECOWAS and AU, as well as for all international development aid, until democracy is restored
• calls for the coup leaders to immediately return to their barracks, and ensure a peaceful transfer of power to a transitional civilian authority tasked with restoring the status quo ante and holding the presidential and legislative elections, scheduled for April and June respectively, as soon as possible

The Executive Committee of Liberal International:
• Taking into account information from various independent sources such as the UN, European Union, organizations for human rights working in the Great Lakes Region of Africa in this case Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International and the Burundian civil society;
• Taking into account resolution 2027 (2011) of the United Nations Security Council acts in which the police are heavily involved;
• Adopts the resolution proposed by the African Liberal Networkon 25 February 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The constituent elements are the following:
The Liberal International:
• condemns the arbitrary arrests, imprisonments, assassinations of opposition activists gathered in the ADC-Ikibiri coalition, of human rights activists and of journalists and demands their unconditional release;
• condemns strongly the torture and extrajudicial killings and the persecution of the leaders of opposition parties, forcing them into exile or to lead an underground life;
• regrets the restriction of activities of political parties and requires that the authorities create an atmosphere that reassures the return of leaders from exile or from hiding;
• is pleased that the President of the Republic has called on opposition leaders to return to the country and encourages him to make every effort to materialize the negotiations to ensure the social-political harmony of the country;
• calls on the Burundian government to always resolve these conflicts through genuine and constructive dialogue, taking into account that the peace and stability of a country are essential to its development;
• calls on the Burundian government to respect the UN Charter, the African Union Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and all other conventions on the protection of the physical and moral integrity of man;
• asks the international community to continue to monitor closely the evolution of the political and security situation in Burundi, and in case of lack of improvement, to suspend all direct aid to the Burundi government.

The ALN Executive Committee met in Johannesburg, South Africa, 22-25 February. The delegates took the decision to the relocate the Secretariat from the Liberal Democrats’ HQ in London, where it has been for the past decade, to the National Head Office of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Cape Town, South Africa.
At the meeting Tim Harris MP (DA Shadow Minister of Finance), said that the DA would be delighted to support the continued development of the ALN in this way. The Liberal Democrats will continue to fund the Secretariat through their Westminster Foundation for Democracy programme during a transitional period up until 2015.
Following presentations on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Africa and the DA’s approach to fundraising, the Executive Committee agreed a fundraising action plan for the ALN. The participants also appointed a Treasurer, Bryan Julie of the Seychelles National Party (SNP), who will lead a Fundraising Working Group responsible for the implementation of the action plan. The Johannesburg meeting was kindly facilitated by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF).

Bon Gouvernance en Afrique
Après avoir analysé la situation politique en Afrique, la réunion de l’Assemblée générale ALN à Kinshasa, République Démocratique du Congo:
1. Exprime son insatisfaction avec le progrès démocratique réalisé dans plusieurs pays sur le continent.
2. Regrette que les normes de certains pays démocratiques ont détériorés, entraînant des rapports de l’injustice et la violence contre les politiciens, les citoyens et les associations indépendantes.
3. Condamne les dirigeants du continent qui continuent à se comporter dans une manière auto-centrique qui portent atteinte à l’unité, la paix et la prospérité de leur peuple, fournissent ainsi un terrain fertile pour les conflits et de maintenir le continent sur un déficit démocratique.
4. Prend note avec grand intérêt le vent démocratique du changement en Tunisie, la Libye et l’Egypte, et appelle toutes les forces démocratiques dans tous les pays africains à adopter des libertés fondamentales et la tolérance, épousées par la démocratie libérale, comme un moyen d’assurer la paix et le développement dans la région.
La situation sape l’intégrité démocratie et les droits dans la Déclaration Universelle des Droits de l’Homme.
Tenant compte de la situation ci-dessus mentionné, Assemblée Générale du RLA se réunit à Kinshasa, République Démocratique du Congo;
Décide que les dirigeants africains doivent gouverner leurs peuples dans le strict respect de la constitution et les lois de leur pays soumis à ce qu’ils soient en conformité avec la volonté de la population de ce pays, et en incorporant les conventions internationalement reconnues et les droits humains. Cela devrait également inclure la ratification de la Charte Africaine sur les Élections, la Démocratie et la Bonne Gouvernance par les pays africains.
Élections libres et transparentes en Afrique
L’Assemblée Générale tenue à Kinshasa, en RDC;
1. Félicite le document sur les élections libres et transparentes écrit par le Dr Francisco Chico et placé devant l’Assemblée Générale, et demande qu’il soit traduit et distribué aux membres pour l’examen et les commentaires.
2. Appels à une équipe de trois à travailler sous la direction du Dr Francisco pour produire un document complet de guidage.
Les progrès dans la démocratisation
Notant la présentation à l’Assemblée Générale du Réseau Libéral Africain (RLA) à Kinshasa, en RDC intitulé « les élections libres et transparentes en Afrique », qui a identifié une amélioration générale dans les résultats électoraux démocratiques à travers l’Afrique depuis 1990.
Notant en outre que d’un sondage sur les partis présents à la réunion de l’Assemblée Générale – où la question suivante a été posée: «Y a-t-il eu un renforcement des processus électoraux démocratiques dans votre pays au cours des dix dernières années? » a donné les résultats suivants, par pays:
« Oui, les processus électoraux démocratiques ont renforcé dans les dix dernières années. »
60% des membres
«Non, les processus électoraux démocratiques n’ont pas renforcé dans les dix dernières années. »
40% des membres
Décide de continuer le travail du Réseau Libéral Africain, en particulier celle qui renforce les processus électoraux, et augmente le nombre de pays cognaient des élections vraiment démocratiques
D’autres se résout à continuer de surveiller ces opinions des pays membres RLA dans les réunions à venir.

Good Governance in Africa
After analysing the political situation in Africa, the ALN General Assembly meeting in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo:
1. Expresses dissatisfaction with democratic progress achieved in several countries on the continent.
2. Regrets that some countries’ democratic standards have deteriorated, leading to reports of injustice and violence against politicians, citizens and independent associations.
3. Condemns leaders on the continent which continue to engage in self-centred practices that undermine unity, peace, and the prosperity of their people, thus provide a fertile ground for conflict and keeping the continent on a democratic deficit.
4. Notes with great interest the Democratic wind of change in Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, and calls upon all Democratic forces in all African countries to embrace fundamental freedoms and tolerance as espoused by Liberal Democracy, as a means of ensuring peace and development in the region.
The situation undermines democracy and human integrity as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Taking into account the above mentioned situation, the ALN General Assembly held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo;
Resolves that African Leaders should govern their people in the strict respect of the constitution and laws of their countries subject to them being in accordance with the will of the people of that country, and incorporating internationally agreed conventions and human rights. This should also include ratification of the African Charter on Elections, Democracy and Good Governance by African countries.
Free and Fair Elections in Africa
The ALN General Assembly held in Kinshasa, DRC;
1. Commends the document on Free and Fair Elections compiled by Dr Chico Francisco and placed before the General Assembly and calls for this to be translated and circulated to members for review and feedback.
2. Calls for a team of three to work under the leadership of Dr Francisco to produce a comprehensive guiding document.
Progress in Democratisation
Noting the presentation to the General Assembly of the Africa Liberal Network (ALN) in Kinshasa, DRC entitled “Free and Fair Elections in Africa”, which identified a general improvement in democratic electoral outcomes across Africa since 1990.
Further noting that a straw poll of the parties attending the General Assembly meeting – when the following question was posed: “Has there been a strengthening of democratic electoral processes in your country in the past ten years?” –  yielded the following outcome, by country:
“Yes, democratic electoral processes have strengthened in the past 10 years:”
60% of members
“No, democratic electoral processes have not strengthened in the past 10 years:”
40% of members
Resolves to continue the work of the Africa Liberal Network, especially that which strengthens electoral processes, to increase the number of countries that have experienced truly democratic elections
Further resolves to continue monitoring these opinions from member countries in forthcoming ALN meetings.

L’Assemblée Générale du RLA tenue à Kinshasa, en RDC, note avec inquiétude et la déception de la guerre en cours civile en Somalie qui a affecté la paix, la sécurité et la stabilité dans la Corne de l’Afrique, et les frontières internationales.
Le RLA appelle à l’Union Africaine et la Communauté internationale à prendre des mesures appropriées pour arrêter les actions cruelles d’al-Shaabab en particulier, et d’autres groupes terroristes.

The ALN General Assembly held in Kinshasa, DRC, notes with concern and disappointment the on-going civil war in Somalia which has affected peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa, and international borders.
ALN calls upon the African Union and the International Community to take appropriate measures to stop the cruel actions of al-Shaabab in particular, and other terror groups.