Three Thematic Resolutions proposed by the Party for Peace, Democracy and Development of Mozambique and adopted by the Africa Liberal Network General Assembly
Democracy and Good Governance in Africa
The forefathers and fathers of independence of almost all African countries dreamt of building nations in which freedom, democracy, peace and stability were the guiding forces in order to achieve prosperity and social justice for the people.
In the initial conception, democracy was misinterpreted by the leaders of some countries to be a one party system where all components of the society could be represented in one single party.
Diversity of opinion, expression, thought among other types of freedom could be tolerated only within the boundaries of the governing party.
However, some other countries described and implemented democracy as an inclusive and participative system in which several parties were authorized to play their role under the limitations imposed by law to build an open society with equal opportunities for all.
According to the historical records, the reality of facts, have shown that suddenly the one party system has developed a growing tendency towards political intolerance and dictatorship.
This situation, as well as poverty and the concentration of political and economic power in the hands of the governing elite, while the population was left to starve, has led to desolation, dissatisfaction, riots and chaos.
Some of these situations challenged the public order and the military took power, through coups d’etat. This has been the common way of changing political power in many countries during the 70s and 80s.
The advent of the second wave of democracy during the 90s in the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall, gave rise to new signs of hope since the majority of the African counties have held elections, deemed in certain countries to be free, fair, transparent and credible by national and international observers.
Unfortunately, in many other countries, due the misconduct of the electoral bodies or an unfair electoral code, or even worse, owing to widespread levels of violence against the opposition candidates, ballot stuffing and other irregularities, the elections have been marred by accusations of fraud, having led to confrontations with a high toll of injuries and deaths.
The most recent cases of electoral violence have occurred in Kenya and Zimbabwe in which after difficult negotiations both parties obtaining the most votes agreed to form a power sharing government.
ALN congratulates the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union for brokering such peace deals in very difficult conditions.
To avoid the occurrence of future conflicts and wars related to the outcome of elections, ALN defends and encourages the African Union and the managing bodies to implement and monitor the African Charter on Democracy and Governance, the Guidelines for the Electoral Managing Bodies approved by SADC, and the AU declaration on Democracy and Good Governance.
ALN proposes that the African Union establish a panel of African experts to promote best electoral practices tasked to update the AU documents guiding the principles of democracy and good governance, bearing in mind that democracy is essential for peace and development.
For ALN, it is crucial in this endeavor to involve African Nobel Peace Prize holders, as African Union Ambassadors of Peace and Development with the mission of promoting good governance, tolerance, peace, stability and the fight against human hunger and disease.
Human Rights in Africa
The history of human rights is deeply rooted in the history of the humankind. Thus, it is common to refer to the human rights as natural laws, since they are inherited at birth.
However, an attempt to codify human rights has its origin in ancient times. One of most known code of human rights is the Code of Hammurabi. In more recent years, many more initiatives have been carried out to make human rights a reality.
Among the major sources that inspired the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations on the 10th December of 1948, special attention must be given to the Magna Carta (1215), the Bill of Rights (1689), the Declaration of American Independence (1776), the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens (1789), a Memory of Solferino (written by Henry Dunant; 1828-1910), the Geneva Conventions and the Oxford Manifesto of 1947 also known as the Liberal Manifesto.
Africa benefited substantially from all of these initiatives, as witnessed by the abolition of slavery and the wave of independence in African since 1950s and the efforts for the protection of migrants and refugees.
Despite the great advantages provided by the several international instruments dealing with human rights, Africa is not doing enough to implement these legal tools within the national borders of the continent.
Africa is still facing the challenges of human trafficking, slave labour, child labour, gender based violence, and all types of discrimination against women, arrest and assassination of political opponents, denial of civic rights, persecution of minorities, nepotism and ethnic-cleansing.
To curb the damaging effects of internal conflicts related to the denial of basic human rights, ALN calls on the African counties to sign and ratify the key instruments of international humanitarian law and related conventions in order to make Africa a more secure, peaceful and stable continent.
One of the meaningful steps, to fight against impunity in the field of human rights is the full implementation of the Rome Statute that establishes the International Criminal Court.
ALN calls on African countries, as sovereign states to take bold decisions to sign and ratify the Rome Statute in defence of human dignity and with the purpose of protecting the people they represent.
This strategy will allow in the short term to improve the poor human rights records that characterize many African countries and in the long term to build the culture of respect of human rights in Africa.
ALN promotes and supports any initiative of the African countries aiming to end the suffering and losses of innocent human lives caused by the endless violation of human rights throughout the African Continent.
ALN supports the on-going investigations of cases of violation of human rights and launches an appeal to the AU competent bodies to use the appropriate continental and international institutions to fight against impunity in cases where individuals stand accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and human rights violations.
For the sake of human dignity and integrity ALN invites its partners not to spare efforts to invest in human rights education in Africa.
ALN is firmly convinced that teaching human rights will prevent the politicization of the civil service, one of the major source of divisions, conflicts and inequalities in Africa, as well as will enable a more strong commitment of all actors for peace, stability and human rights.
50 Years of African Independence
The entire world celebrates this year of 2010 the 50th anniversary of the “Year of Africa”.
As matter of facts, excluding Liberia and Ethiopia which were never colonies, all other African countries reached their independence in the aftermath of the World War II.
During the 50s, Africa welcomed the independence of several countries, namely Libya (26.7.1951), Tunisia (1.1.1956), Sudan (1.1.1956), Morocco (7.4.1956) in North Africa, followed by Ghana on the 6 March 1957, the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to become independent and the Republic of Guinea on 2 October 1958.
In 1960, a new chapter has been inaugurated in the history of decolonization of Africa with the proclamation of independence of 17 African countries, covering the nations listed below: Cameron (1.1.1960), Senegal (4.4.1960), Togo (7.4.1960), Mali (20.6.1960), Madagascar (26.6.1960), DR Congo (30.6.1960), Somalia (26.6.1960/1.7.1960), Benin (1.8.1960), Niger (3.8.1960), Burkina Faso (5.8.1960), Cote d’Ivoire (7.8.1960), Chad (11.8.1960), Central African Republic (13.8.1960), Congo (15.8.1960), Gabon (17.8.1960), Nigeria (1.10.1960) and Mauritania (28.11.1960).
This was a special achievement for the African people, and successful political negotiation or armed conflict, ensured that the will of the people was fulfilled, and the countries concerned became free and self-ruled. This initiative was made possible by the signing of the Atlantic Charter by the US President Roosevelt and the UK Prime Minister Churchill in 1941, which layed the framework for the constitution of the United Nations. As a result of the large number of new independent states which emerged in the year 1960, this has been since then coined as the “Year of Africa”.
The Africa Liberal Network (ALN), an association of political parties guided by liberal principles and ideals, such as freedom of: religion, press, opinion, choice, association, movement; rule of law, respect of human rights, free market economy, free trade, and private property, warmly congratulates all African countries that have celebrated or are still to celebrate their 50 years of independence.
It is a sincere desire of ALN that despite the challenges that those African countries have faced in the past, the next 50 years to come, should be fully dedicated to prosperity and wealth of each of the countries concerned, including the fight against hunger, disease, illiteracy, corruption and injustice.
Taking into account the advantages provided by initiatives related to the Millennium Development Goals, NEPAD, Poverty Reduction Strategic Papers and other national or regional agendas for development, Africa must stand, grow and compete in the community of the Nations.
To ensure the transformation of the available natural renewable and non-renewable resources into capital that can fund infrastructure and job creation strategies, continental or regional agreements must be promoted, to build coordination development communities and negotiate appropriate trade arrangements.
ALN calls upon the AU to assure support to the member countries, aiming to transform Africa into a strong and prosperous continent.
The African Union should celebrate the 50th anniversary of independence of numerous African countries, recalling the year 1960 as the “Year of Africa”.
Cape Town, 13 November 2010

La participation du candidat du Rassemblement Des Républicains (RDR), Dr Alassane Dramane Ouattara, au deuxième tour de l’élection présidentielle en Côte d’Ivoire, est un grand espoir de voir un parti libéral à la station présidentielle, pour mettre fin, dans ce pays, à plusieurs décennies de violations des droits fondamentaux de l’Homme et des grands principes de la démocratie, hypothéquant sérieusement le développement de la Côte d’Ivoire.
 
C’est pourquoi le Réseau Libéral Africain (RLA) :
· Affirme son soutien sans réserve au candidat Dr Alassane Dramane Ouattara
· Félicite les partis politiques membres du RHDP, pour leur report de voix annoncé en faveur de Dr Alassane Dramane Ouattara
· Appelle tous les libéraux et démocrates de Cote d’Ivoire, d’Afrique et l’Internationale Libérale, à lui apporter leur appui constant pour que triomphent la démocratie et la justice, afin que la Côte d’Ivoire sorte de ce cycle infernal d’instabilité et renoue avec le développement.
· Exige de la Commission Électorale Indépendante, et du Président candidat Laurent GBAGBO, l’organisation d’un deuxième tour transparent, régulier dans le respect des règles démocratiques, et à date échue.
· Appelle l’Union Africaine et la Communauté internationale, à jouer pleinement leur rôle de veille pour que soit scrupuleusement respectée le verdict des urnes qui reste l’émanation de la volonté du peuple frère de la Côte d’Ivoire.
 
Fait à Cape Town, 13 novembre 2010

The participation of the candidate of the Rassemblement Des Républicains (RDR), Dr Alassane Dramane Ouattara, in the second round of presidential elections in Côte d’Ivoire, is a great chance for us to end in this country decades of human rights violations and undermining of the principles of democracy, seriously jeopardizing the development of Cote d’Ivoire.
That is why the Africa Liberal Network (ALN):
· Affirms its support for the candidate Dr Alassane Dramane Ouattara.
· Congratulates political parties which are members of RHDP for their decision to support Dr. Alassane Dramane Ouattara
· Calls all liberals and democrats from Côte d’Ivoire, Africa and Liberal International, to give him their continued support for the triumph of democracy and justice so that Côte d’Ivoire can escape this vicious circle of instability and once again begin to develop.
• Demands the Independent Electoral Commission, and Presidential candidate Laurent Gbagbo, to organise a transparent second round, scheduled in accordance with democratic rules, and the date due.
· Calls for the African Union and the international community to fully play their role in monitoring so that the verdict of the ballot box is respected and remains the emanation of the will of the people of Cote d’Ivoire.
Cape Town, 13 November 2010

Soutenu par le Président de l’Internationale Libérale, Hans van Baalen MEP, l’Assemblée Générale du Réseau Libérale Africain (RLA):
Tenant compte des informations des différentes sources indépendantes telles que les organisations des droits de l’homme œuvrant dans la Région des Grands Lacs d’Afrique en l’occurrence Human Rights Watch et Amnesty International ; les organisations de protection du métier de journalisme tel que Reporters Sans Frontières ; les organisations de lutte contre la corruption tel que Transparency International etc. ;
Considérant le rapport de la Commission de l’Union Européenne sur les élections qui viennent d’avoir lieu au Burundi ;
Vu l’état de la dégradation de la situation sécuritaire et la croissance de la violation des droits humains où les éléments des forces de l’ordre public sont impliqués ;
Tenant compte que le désordre sociopolitique au Burundi risque d’embraser toute la Région des Grands Lacs d’Afrique ;
Considérant que cette situation déplorable résulte d’un contentieux électoral non encore élucidé ;
Tenant compte des éléments d’un témoignage aussi éloquent que vient de faire l’Honorable Alice Nzomukunda, ancienne Vice-Présidente de la République du Burundi, ancienne Vice-Présidente de l’Assemblée Nationale, actuelle Vice-Présidente pour l’Afrique Centrale du Réseau Libéral Africain, et actuelle Présidente du Parti Alliance Démocratique pour le Renouveau (ADR), parti membre de l’Internationale Libérale ;
Le Réseau Libéral Africain réunit en date du 11 au 13 novembre à Cape Town en Afrique du Sud vient d’adopter une résolution pour le Burundi. Les éléments qui la composent sont les suivants :
1. Le Réseau Libéral Africain regrette que les élections communales au Burundi aient été marquées par l’impossibilité des partis d’opposition de vérifier la régularité du processus à cause « de l’absence d’affichage public des résultats du bureau de vote, et par l’impossibilité pour les mandataires des partis politiques d’obtenir une copie des procès-verbaux. »(1).
2. Il regrette que le pouvoir en place et la Commission Électorale Nationale Indépendante n’aient pas écouté l’opposition pour résoudre le contentieux électoral à temps ce qui a exacerbé les tensions politiques dont les conséquences sont visibles à l’œil nu ;
3. Il regrette que le processus électoral entamé le 24 mai 2010 se soit poursuivi en l’absence totale de l’opposition ;
4. Le Réseau Libéral Africain regrette aussi que même après la période électorale, le pouvoir de Bujumbura ait rejeté toute proposition des partis d’opposition d’entamer un dialogue entre les partenaires politiques bien que le pays sombre dans la violence ;
5. Il regrette que le pouvoir de Bujumbura use de la force pour résoudre un problème à caractère politique ;
6. Il regrette que le Burundi reste un des pays où la corruption est très importante, ce qui contribue à entraver gravement tout effort d’attirer les investissements et de lutter contre la pauvreté (4) ;
7. Le Réseau Libéral Africain condamne les arrestations des militants de l’opposition et la restriction des activités des partis politiques qui ont marqué la période pré- électorale et électorale et qui se poursuivent jusqu’à ce jour ;
8. Il condamne avec énergie la torture et les exécutions extrajudiciaires dénoncées par la Communauté Internationale et les organisations de défense des droits de l’homme ; (2,3)
9. Il condamne la persécution dont sont victimes les leaders des partis de l’opposition les contraignant à l’exil ou à une vie clandestine ;
10. Le Réseau Libéral Africain exige l’arrêt des arrestations arbitraires, emprisonnements, assassinats des militants de l’opposition et la libération sans condition de tous les prisonniers politiques et d’opinion ;
11. Il exige qu’une commission internationale soit mise en place pour enquêter sur les exécutions sommaires observées dans toutes les régions du Burundi ;
12. Il exige la levée d’interdiction de toutes les activités politiques des partis d’opposition et la création d’une atmosphère rassurante permettant le retour des leaders en exil ou en clandestinité ;
13. Le Réseau Libéral Africain demande au gouvernement burundais d’entamer des négociations avec les partis d’opposition afin de trouver des solutions aux problèmes de sécurité, des droits de l’homme, et de vider le contentieux électoral ;
14. Il demande aux bailleurs de fonds de suspendre toute aide directe au gouvernement burundais tout en intervenant directement auprès des populations burundaises à travers les ONG, en attendant que des négociations véritables soient réellement entamées avec la coalition des partis de l’opposition : ADC-IKIBIRI.
15. Le Réseau Libéral Africain demande en fin à la Communauté Internationale notamment les Nations Unies, l’Union Européenne, l’Union Africaine et les organisations régionales de continuer à suivre avec attention la situation politique et sécuritaire au Burundi.
 
Fait à Cape Town, le 13 novembre 2010
 
(1) Rapport Final Mission d’Observation Electorale (MOE UE)- Burundi 2010
(2) L’UE préoccupée par des cas d’exécutions extrajudiciaires au Burundi ; AFP 21 octobre 2010.
(3) Burundi : « Un pas en arrière » : Torture et autres mauvais traitements aux mains du Service National de Renseignement Burundais ; www.Amnesty.org/fr
(4) Bribery Index 2010 by Transparency International

Supported by Liberal International President, Hans van Baalen MEP, the Africa Liberal Network General Assembly:
Takes account of information from different independent sources including human rights organisations working in the Great Lakes Region of Africa such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International; organisations which defend journalists such as Reporters Without Boarders; and organisations campaigning against corruption such as Transparency International;
Considering the report of the European Commission on the recent elections in Burundi;
In light of the deterioration of the security situation and the increase in the number of human rights violations particularly where the forces of public order were involved;
Taking into account the socio-political disorder in Burundi which risks upsetting the entire Great Lakes Region of Africa;
Considering that the deterioration of the security situation resulted in a contentious election which has still yet to be resolved;
Taking into account the elements of an eloquent testimony just made the Honorable Alice Nzomukunda, former Vice-President of the Republic of Burundi, former Vice-President of the National Assembly, current Africa Liberal Network Vice-President for Central Africa, and President of the Alliance Démocratique pour le Renouveau (ADR), Liberal International member;
The Africa Liberal Network met from 11-13 November in Cape Town, South Africa adopting a resolution on Burundi. The constituent elements are:
1. The Africa Liberal Network regrets that the elections in Burundi were marked by the inability of opposition parties to verify the regularity of the process because of “the results were not publically displayed at polling stations, and political party agents were prevented from obtaining a copy of the report.”(1).
2. ALN regretted that the ruling government and the Independent National Electoral Commission did not listen to the opposition and resolve the electoral dispute in time, thus exacerbating political tensions, the consequences of which are visible to the naked eye;
3. ALN regrets that the electoral process which began on 24 May 2010 was continued in the total absence of opposition;
4. ALN also regrets that even after the election period, the government in Bujumbura rejected any proposal of the opposition parties to begin a political dialogue between partners, even though the country then descended into violence;
5. ALN regrets that the government in Bujumbura used force to resolve political differences;
6. ALN further regrets that Burundi remains a country with a high-level of corruption, seriously hindering any efforts to attract investment or to fight against poverty (4);
7. The Africa Liberal Network condemns the arrests of opposition activists and restrictions on political party activities that marked the pre-election and election period and continues to this day;
8. ALN condemns in the strongest terms the torture and extrajudicial killings criticised by the international community and organizations defending human rights; (2.3)
9. ALN condemns the persecution of leaders of opposition parties, forcing them into exile or underground life;
10. The Africa Liberal Network demands an end to arbitrary arrests, imprisonments, murders of opposition activists and the unconditional release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience;
11. ALN calls for an international commission to be established to investigate the killings in all regions of Burundi;
12. ALN calls for the ban on political activities of opposition parties to be lifted and hopes that this will create an atmosphere which will facilitate the return of the leaders in exile or in hiding;
13. The Africa Liberal Network asks the Burundian government to negotiate with opposition parties to find solutions to problems of security, human rights, and to end the electoral disputes;
14. ALN asks donors to suspend direct aid to the Burundian government, and instead to support the Burundian people directly through NGOs, until such a point as real negotiations commence with the coalition of opposition parties: ADC-IKIBIRI.
15. The ALN requests the international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, and regional organizations, to continue to monitor closely the political and security situation in Burundi.
Cape Town, 13 November 2010

The Africa Liberal Network supports the process of democratisation in Sudan and calls on the Government of Sudan to respect the constitution, to continue the peace process in Darfur, and to respect the outcome of the upcoming referendum in Southern Sudan. ALN calls on the international community to assist where it can in this regard, and welcomes its new observer member, South Sudan Liberal Party, which was recently established by existing member, Liberal Democratic Party of Sudan in anticipation of the referendum scheduled for January 2011.
The Africa Liberal Network watches with deep concern the situation of the population in Darfur, Western Sudan. ALN calls for the immediate release of Darfurian human rights activists arrested on 30 October 2010 and subsequently. The ALN supports the peace negotiations and understands the need for a comprehensive peace in the region based on respecting the fundamental rights of the citizens and an equitable sharing of power in the country. ALN supports the initiative of Darfur Democratic Forum and other Sudanese liberals and democrats in working towards a lasting peace in Darfur.

Follwing elections in Zanzibar on 31 October 2010, in which the Civic United Front Presidential candidate, Seif Sharif Hamad, obtained 49% of the vote; a new Government of National Unity (GNU) has been formed.
Malim Seif has been appointed as First Vice-President of Zanzibar and the GNU cabinet now includes 7 CUF Ministers and one Minister without portfolio. These are as follows:
1.Minister of State 1st Vice Presidents Office: Ms Fatma Abdulhabib Fereji
2.Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs: Mr Aboubakar Khamis Bakary
3.Minister for Health: Mr Juma Duni Haji
4.Minister for Livestock and Fisheries: Mr Said Ali Mbarouk
5.Minister for Infrastructure and Communications: Mr Hamad Masoud Hamad
6.Minister for Trade, Industries and Markets: Mr Nassor Ahmed Mazrui
7.Minister for Information, Tourism, culture and Sports: Mr Abdilahi Jihad Hassan
8. Minister without Portfolio: Mr Haji Faki Shaali.

Hans van Baalen MEP, President of Liberal International, has spoken out on Burundi, supporting the resolution adopted by the Africa Liberal Network General Assembly in Cape Town.
http://www.liberal-international.org/congressExecutiveListAll.asp?ia_id=1257

Nous, Leaders des Partis Libéraux Africains, membres du Réseau Libéral Africain, réunis en Assemblée Générale du 11-13 Novembre 2010 au Cape Town, en Afrique du Sud, faisons appel à la communauté internationale et aux amis libéraux du Monde entier concernant la situation qui prévaut à Madagascar et condamne :
Spécifiquement le refus de l’application des accords politiques signés par les quatre Chefs de file des Mouvances Politiques par Monsieur Andry RAJOELINA :
Malgré la confirmation par l’ensemble de la Communauté internationale (ONU, GIC-M, UE, UA, OIF, SADC, etc.) de la condamnation de toute prise de pouvoir extraconstitutionnelle et du retour dans les meilleurs délais de manière consensuelle et inclusive à l’ordre constitutionnel, le pouvoir de facto poursuit d’une manière unilatérale à organiser un référendum le 17 Novembre 2010 sur une Constitution taillée à la mesure de Monsieur Andry RAJOELINA et des élections communales anticipées le 20 Décembre 2010, une continuation de l’esprit de coup de force pour une destitution déguisée des Maires élus au suffrage universel tout en ignorant les sanctions internationales et en tenant en otage la population, la première victime de ces sanctions (chômage, sous-emploi, inflation, éclatement familial…)
Afin de favoriser la recherche d’une solution malgacho-malgache, l’Alliance des Organisations de la Société Civile, la Coalition des Organisations de la Société Civile et le KMF/CNOE ont de commun accord institué la Coordination Nationale des Organisations de la Société Civile ou CNOSC, une structure qui a obtenu l’appui de la Communauté Internationale pour assurer la facilitation de la médiation en appui à l’équipe de la SADC et présidée par l’Ancien Président de Mozambique, Monsieur Joaquim CHISSANO mais les autorités de facto adoptent toujours une démarche unilatérale et une stratégie du fait accompli dans la nomination des membres des institutions prévues par la Charte de Maputo (Parlement, CENI) ;
Le mépris des droits de l’Homme et de la liberté :
La liberté d’expression n’existe plus. Les forces de l’ordre sont utilisées, à des fins politiques, pour mâter ceux qui persistent à faire connaître leur opinion. Les preuves sont :
– Le monopole du media public par les partisans de la HAT dirigée par Mr Andry RAJOELINA.
– L’interdiction ou la complication des formalités administratives pour l’organisation de réunion publique.
– Les difficultés pour l’obtention de l’autorisation pour l’organisation d’un culte pour le pays.
– La fermeture des médias ne partageant pas le point de vue des dirigeants.
– L’arrestation arbitraire des Leaders politiques de la Mouvance Ravalomanana le 11 Novembre 2010 pour avoir organisé une manifestation préalablement autorisée par la municipalité au stade MALACAM et la répression musclée des manifestants en pleine période de campagne pour le référendum du 17 Novembre 2010.
– Terreur et menaces de mort à l’endroit des ecclésiastiques traqués pendant trois mois après le culte du 20 Mai 2010 par des membres des forces de l’ordre armés qui obligent les membres de leur famille à quitter avec regret leurs foyers.
Et notamment l’absence de considération des détenus politiques 2009-2010.
Il n’y a aucune considération pour les grévistes de la faim, même pour ceux qui sont malades. Certains qui ont bénéficié d’une liberté provisoire ont été vite réincarcérés, à la suite d’invention de nouvelles charges.
En conséquence, nous interpellons la Communauté Internationale et les pays amis et partenaires de Madagascar, tous les Libéraux du monde entier à assumer leur responsabilité pour que le pouvoir de fait cesse cette pratique indigne du 21ème Siècle, étant donné que Madagascar est signataire des différentes conventions internationales sur la défense des droits de l’Homme et de la liberté.