We, Leaders of the African Liberal Parties, members of the Africa Liberal Network, in a General Assembly from 11-13 November 2010 in Cape Town, in South Africa, call upon the international community and Friends Liberals in the World concerning the situation which prevails in Madagascar:
ALN condemns Andry RAJOELINA’s refusal to implement the political agreements signed by the four Heads of Political Groups by:
In spite of the confirmation by the International Community (UNO, ICG-M, EU, AU, OIF, SADC, etc.) of an unconstitutional change of government and their recommendation to return as soon as possible in a consensual and inclusive way the constitutional order, the de facto power continues in an unilateral way. It plans to organize a referendum on 17th November 2010 to vote a Constitution which suits Mr Andry RAJOELINA’s ambition and plan anticipated communal elections on 20th December 2010. This continues the spirit of the coup for a disguised dismissal of the Mayors which were elected by general election while being unaware of the international sanctions and holding as an hostage the whole population which are the first victims of these sanctions (unemployment, under-employment, inflation, family division).
In order to support the search for a Malagasy-Madagascan solution, the Alliance of the Civil Society Organizations, the Coalition of the Civil Society Organizations and the KMF/CNOE (a national organization of elections observers) have by mutual agreement instituted the National Coordination of the Civil Society Organizations (CNOSC), a structure which obtained the support of the International Community to ensure the facilitation in support to the SADC mediation team chaired by Former President of Mozambique, Mr Joaquim CHISSANO but the de facto authorities always adopt an unilateral step and an accomplished fact strategy in the appointment of the members of the institutions set by the Charter of Maputo (Parliament, CENI)
ALN condemns the disregard of Human rights and freedom:
The freedom of speech does not exist anymore. Police force is used, with political objectives, to prohibit those who persist to express their opinion. Obvious problems are:
– the monopoly of the public media by the partisans of the HAT led by Mr Andry RAJOELINA.
– the prohibition or the complication of the administrative formalities to organize public meetings.
– difficulties for obtaining the authorization to organize a worship for the country.
– the closing of the medias not sharing the point of view of the HAT.
– the arbitrary arrest of the political Leaders of Ravalomanana Political Group on 11th November 2010 to have organized a demonstration authorized beforehand by the municipality at MALACAM stadium and the powerful repression of the demonstrators in full period of propaganda for the referendum of 17th November 2010.
– Terror and death threats against church leaders followed by members of the armed police force for three months following the worship of 20 May 2010 which obliges the members of their family to leave their homes.
Finally ALN condemns the lack of consideration of the political prisoners 2009-2010.
There is no consideration for the hunger strikers, even for those which are sick. Some prisoners which were released were quickly put in jail again, following invention of new accusations.
So, we challenge the International Community, the countries friends and partners of Madagascar and all the Liberals of the world to assume their responsibility so that the de facto power ceases this practice which is unworthy of the 21st Century, since Madagascar signed various International Conventions on the defense of Human rights and freedom.

The Africa Liberal Network (ALN) commends the Civic United Front (CUF) for its effective participation in the National Elections in Tanzania on 31 October 2010 despite the lack of a “level playing field” in terms of political competition.
The ALN congratulates the CUF Zanzibar Presidential candidate, Seif Sharif Hamad on accepting the results announced by the Zanzibar Electoral Commission for the sake of peace, political stability, and reconciliation in Zanzibar.
We further congratulate Seif Sharif Hamad on his appointment as First Vice-President of Zanzibar in accordance with the new constitution of Zanzibar.
However, the Africa Liberal Network is gravely concerned with the poor administration of the Presidential, parliamentary and civic elections in the United Republic of Tanzania, which was marked by low voter turn out: 42% in 2010 as compared to 72% in 2005.
The ALN therefore calls upon the authorities in Tanzania to establish a competent and independent National Electoral Commission as soon as possible in order to have democratic, free and fair elections.

Helen Zille, leader of the Democratic Alliance and Premier of Western Cape Province, held a joint press conference with the ALN President, Dr Lamine Ba, on 11 November to celebrate the opening of the network’s General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa. They were joined on the podium by former Vice-President of Burundi, Mme Alice Nzomukunda, and National Chairman of the Civic United Front, Professor Ibrahim Lipumba.
Ms Zille made the following statement:
“The Democratic Alliance would like to welcome the members of the Africa Liberal Network to South Africa and specifically to Cape Town, for the General Assembly which will take place here over the coming weekend. We have just hosted a successful FIFA World Cup, which has demonstrated what we as a province and country can be, if we work together and all give our best. Albeit a slightly smaller event, we are pleased to have been given the opportunity to host this General Assembly, which is also an historic event and a great show of unity.
“The Africa Liberal Network is made up of 24 parties from 19 African countries, and is an associated organisation of Liberal International. The ALN aims to promote liberal democratic objectives and principles throughout the African continent. The parties involved work together to ensure the freedom and dignity of all people through securing socio-economic and political rights, entrenching basic freedoms and the rule of law, promoting economic growth, ensuring free and fair elections, and fighting corruption.
“This General Assembly is an opportunity to discuss the state of democracy in Africa, to share democratic best practice, and to support one another in our respective political contexts. In that regard, I would like to thank our sister-parties from across the continent for their friendship, and for the enduring co-operation between our parties over the years.
“Today, our world and our peoples are more interconnected and indeed interdependent than ever before in history. People the world over, despite any differences, basically seek the same things – to realize a better future for them and their children, to live in security and dignity, and to seek progress and justice.
“We are also all too aware that this meeting is taking place while in much of Africa people do not enjoy even the basic democratic rights that we often take for granted. The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Sudan shows how despotism and violence still threaten the future of our continent. Many of our member parties are actively engaged in the hard work of pursuing peace, while others, like the DA, are working to give people and nations a path out of poverty.
“It is against that backdrop that I look forward to meaningful discussions with all of the ALN delegates this weekend, and once again, am delighted to welcome them to Cape Town.”

ALN President, Dr Lamine Bâ, has written an article for Prospect Magazine clarifying his work in Haiti in his capacity as Minister for Humanitarian Cooperation and International Affairs in the Senegalese Government:
Prospect – Haiti: Africa Calling
After January’s catastrophic earthquake it seems that there is still no end to the tragedy facing the people of Haiti. This month an outbreak of cholera has left hundreds dead and thousands more hospitalised—and yesterday violence broke out in reaction to the spread of the disease, with protestors claiming that Nepalese soldiers brought the epidemic to Haiti. In the face of such horror, it is hardly surprising that many Haitians are seeking to rebuild their lives in new countries.
Earlier this year, the President of Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade, unveiled an initiative to resettle hundreds of Haitians in his country. (This is in addition to over $1m in direct aid to Haiti from the government of Senegal). Why, ask some, when Senegal is itself far from the richest country in the world, should Africans pay to support others? The needs of Africa are plain for all to see. Yet the government in which I serve, a liberal government, is part of a growing political movement across Africa that rejects the notion that Africa must always take aid, and never provide it.
When our fellow citizens in other parts of the world are suffering—particularly those to whom we have a historic connection—we believe it is our duty to support them within the means and resources that are available to us. In fact, it is our liberal commitment to internationalism and humanitarianism that demand it.
Last week I addressed the Africa Liberal Network General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa, the organisation that is helping to spearhead this growing political movement across Africa. The ALN is a collection of 30 Liberal parties from 25 African countries, united in their commitment to win power on liberal political platforms and, when in power, provide government based on enduring liberal principles such as the freedom and dignity of all people, the rule of law, free and fair elections with peaceful transition, fighting corruption, and establishing free market economies.
This movement is enjoying increasing electoral success. My own Democratic Party in Senegal first won power in 2000 after decades of socialist rule; and the Democratic Alliance in South Africa has moved from 1.7 per cent of the vote in 1994 to touching 20 per cent in last year’s general election, and now controls the government of Western Cape. Just this month in Cote d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, a former deputy general director of the IMF, powered into the run-off in the presidential election, trailing the incumbent president (who has failed to hold an election for many years) by only a few percentage points. Elsewhere, in Morocco, Zanzibar and the Democratic Republic of Congo, liberals form part of coalition governments.
Also this year, the ALN has been outspoken regarding the electoral malpractice and arrest and intimidation of opposition candidates in this years’ elections in Burundi. The network has worked hard to facilitate the increasing of representation of women in politics across Africa. Member parties have unanimously condemned the failure of the president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, to abide by the agreements outlined in his government of national unity, and against the wishes of his people.
In this context, it is easier to understand the government of Senegal’s actions for the citizens of Haiti. Just as other great liberal parties and governments across the world have been committed to supporting human rights and dignity—from successive liberal governments in Canada, to the Clinton administration in the US and President Clinton’s continuing humanitarian activities through his foundation on leaving office—it is the duty of liberals all over the world—including in Africa—to provide support and assistance to those in greatest need. It is in this spirit that the people of Haiti hear Africa calling them.
Dr Lamine Ba is the Minister for International Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs for the Government of Senegal. He is also President of the Africa Liberal Network

ALN welcomes new members from Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Southern Sudan, Sierra Leone, and Uganda
The Africa Liberal Network concluded a successful meeting of its General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa, on Saturday 13 November 2010. Re-elected as ALN President, Senegalese Minister of Humanitarian and International Affairs, Dr Lamine Bâ, explained that the organisation “will play a more decisive role in spreading liberal values and ideas, and will do all it can to bring liberal political parties to power in their respective countries”.
The ALN was formed in 2002 to promote liberal democratic ideals in politics and to build solidarity among parties adhering to liberal principles. It has since grown to 27 parties, and welcomed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, to the network at this meeting. Other parties joining the ALN for the first time at the General Assembly were the Ethiopian Democratic Party (EDP); the Forum for Democratic Devolution (FDD) from Malawi; People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) of Sierra Leone; and Liberal Democratic Transparency (LDT) of Uganda. South Sudan Liberal Party (SSLP), a new initiative launched by existing ALN members, Liberal Democratic Party of Sudan, was admitted as an observer pending the resolution of the referendum scheduled to decide the fate of that region in January 2011. Three existing member parties, PLD Angola, UDENA Equatorial Guinea, and UDP Tanzania were disaffiliated from the network for not having participated in recent events or contributed their membership fees.
The ALN meeting coincided with the Executive Committee meeting of Liberal International (LI), the worldwide association of liberal parties, which was held in the South African Parliament buildings in Cape Town. This enabled ALN delegates to interact with important politicians from across the globe such as LI President, Hans van Baalen MEP, and for LI to demonstrate its support for resolutions adopted by the General Assembly. Both events were kindly hosted by the Democratic Alliance, the main opposition party in South Africa, and ruling party in Western Cape Province. The leader of the Democratic Alliance, Helen Zille, welcomed the ALN to Cape Town, and hosted a reception for ALN delegates at her private residence, Leeuwenhof, following the conclusion of their meeting.
ALN delegates were also fortunate enough to meet with DA founding member, Colin Eglin; DA Parliamentary Caucus Leader, Athol Trollip MP; and DA spokesperson, Lindiwe Mazibuko MP.
MEC Robin Carlisle delivered the keynote address focusing on implementing liberal ideals in Government, in light of his experience as Minister for Transport and Public Works in Western Cape. The ALN would like to thank DA Shadow Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Kenneth Mubu MP; DA Shadow Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Stevens Mokgalapa MP, and DA International Officer, Tim Harris MP, for their valuable contribution to the programme and their participation in the events.
We would like to congratulate all members of the new ALN Executive Committee, but especially those serving for the firs time: Mme Alice Nzomukunda, Présidente of the Alliance Démocratique pour le Renouveau, former Vice-President of the Republic of Burundi; and Mr Clement Stambuli, Director of Campaigns of the United Democratic Front, and former Minister in Malawi.

Lidetu Ayalew, leader of the Ethiopian Democratic Party, was welcomed to London by a delegation led by Robert Woodthorpe Browne, Chairman of the Liberal Democrats International Relations Committee and Vice-President of Liberal International.
Meeting at the National Liberal Club, Ato Lidetu provided a brief summary of the political situation in Ethiopia following the elections earlier this year in which the ruling EPRDF (Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front) secured all but two of the seats in the parliament, wiping out independent opposition parties. The group discussed the findings of a recent Human Rights Watch report on how donor aid contributes to political repression in Ethiopia, an issue which the Liberal Democrats are keen to take up with the UK Government.
Finally, the participants debated ways for the Africa Liberal Network to support the EDP, perhaps through organising a regional meeting in Addis Ababa, and how the Liberal Democrats might be able to use their Westminster Foundation for Democracy programme to contribute to the development of the party.

ALN members the Civic United Front (CUF) have celebrated a resounding victory in the referendum held in Zanzibar on 31 July which marked a constitutional change guaranteeing the party a place in the Government.
CUF Secretary-General, Seif Sharrif Hamad, was understandably delighted at the results, which saw two-thirds of the semi-autonomous archipelago’s voters approve a coalition government being formed after the general elections on 31 October. As a result, CUF will be awarded a proportion of the Ministries in the Revolutionary Government based on the outcome of the polls. Should they come first, they will be awarded the positions of President and Second Vice-President of Zanzibar, or if they come second, they will be rewarded with the position of First Vice-President.
Violence has marred elections on the archipelago in the past, and the CUF-CCM agreement to share power on the islands has been welcomed by both the population and political commentators. It is hoped that the upcoming elections will be the first peaceful ones to take place on the islands of Unguja and Pemba since multi-party democracy was introduced in Tanzania in 1994. Despite the history of violence and intimidation, CUF has consistently held around half the seats in Zanzibar House of Representatives, and now has the opportunity to show what they can do in Government.
With the referendum now over, preparations for the general elections are well underway. The Liberal Democrats’ Westminster Foundation for Democracy programme will be working with CUF as they have in the past.

CALL OF HAMMAMET (TUNISIA) FOR THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AGAINST ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE
We, African Liberal Women representing Africa Liberal Network member parties, meeting in Hammamet, Tunisia from 30 July to 2 August 2010 as part of the second ALN Gender Workshop with support from the Liberal Democrats’ Westminster Foundation for Democracy programme, having examined the evolution of the situation of women around the world:
– Note with concern the persistence of violence against African and Arab women and the deteriorating conditions in parts of Asia and Central and Eastern Europe.
– Recalling the rights of women in the universal framework of human rights, and building on all instruments specific rights of women including CEDAW, Resolution 1325 Security Council United Nations, the African Charter Human Rights and Peoples’ rights of women, we regard the protection of moral and physical integrity of women in the world as an urgent necessity.
Further, We, African Women Liberal,
– Call upon the Heads of State, members of the Liberal International, the media, all organizations and people of good will:
– To mobilize a multifaceted campaign against violence suffered by women on the planet.
Ask eagerly, particularly the heads of state:
– To build specialized shelters to protect women whose lives are threatened both in times of conflicts in married life and social
– Promote women’s access to legal aid as social and psychological victims;
– Call feminist organizations worldwide to denounce the ideologies and traditions that generate harmful forms of segregation and violence against women.
– Call for an immediate end to the unspeakable tragedy suffered by women in the Democratic Republic of Congo and insist on the implementation of the resolution to that effect in December 2009 at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Africa Liberal Network Seychelles.
Hammamet, 1 August 2010
MOTION IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENT WADE OF SENEGAL
Women representing Africa Liberal Network member parties, meeting from 30 July to 2 August 2010 for the second gender workshop would like to thank especially President Abdoulaye Wade for his work in favor of parity.
All processes know a historical inflection point. For women in Senegal, the vote of the full parity law on Male / Female in elected institutions, crowns decades of political activism, deprivation, and struggle.
This outstanding success, we, African women, owe to an intellectual superior, a politician with a clear vision and foresight, the standard bearer of liberalism in Africa, Abdoulaye Wade, President of the Republic of Senegal.
Therefore, as gender focal points of member parties of the Africa Liberal Network:
– We support the President Abdoulaye Wade, in his desire to achieve greater equality of opportunity in the political field
– We wait for leaders of member parties of the Africa Liberal Network, to implement such parity, and make this a reality in our political parties, and we kindly call on President Wade to advocate on the gender issue. So that we, African women can overcome the challenges we face in the way of the development in our respective states.
Hammamet, 1 August 2010
MOTION OF THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO TUNISIA PSL
Women representing Africa Liberal Network member parties, meeting from 30 July to 2 August 2010 for the second gender workshop, thanked the PSL (Social Liberal Party) of Tunisia and its President, Mr. Mondher Thabet for hosting this workshop in Tunisian soil. They welcomed the organization of Tunisian women for their availability throughout their stay successful in Hammamet, historic and touristic town close to the heart of all Africans.
Hammamet, 1 August 2010
RESOLUTION ON PRESIDENTIAL AL’ELECTION IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE
Women representing Africa Liberal Network member parties, meeting from 30 July to 2 August 2010 for the second gender workshop, noted with distaste that the date of the presidential election has been delayed 6 since 2005, plunging the population into distress;
Since these elections are, in the opinion of all observers, the condition that the country would emerge from the crisis persists insidiously with its attendant problems of all kinds of people in general and the vulnerable in particular,
Women of Africa Liberal Network member parties,
– Deplore the inability of some States to hold elections if there arrives the constitutional deadline;
– Affirm that the requirement for a transparent election, democratic and should not give rise to many hesitations and artificial obstacles if the electoral commission is truly independent;
– Wish, as ECOWAS, African Union, UN and all development partners that the elections in Côte d’Ivoire will be held before the end of 2010 so that this country acquires legitimate institutions which lead to the democracy, peace and sustainable development.
Hammamet, 1 August 2010
MOTION SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR MRS ALICE NZOMUKUNDA
Women representing Africa Liberal Network member parties, meeting from 30 July to 2 August 2010 for the second gender workshop, informed of the harassment suffered by Ms Alice Nzomukunda in her fight for good governance and democracy, put to all their encouragement and support in its determination to promote moral values and establishing the rule of law in Burundi.
Hammamet, 1 August 2010
MOTION OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO HIS EXCELLENCE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA, MR ZINE EL ABIDINE BEN ALI
The women representing Africa Liberal Network member parties, meeting for a workshop in from 30 July to 2 August 2010 in Hammamet, Tunisia at the kind l’invitation of the Parti Social Libéral of Tunisia for the networks’ second Gender Workshop, were impressed by the excellent progress made towards the socio-economic development of the country and particularly the position of Tunisian women in society, would like to thank His Excellence the President of the Republic of Tunisia.
Hammamet, 1 August 2010
MOTION OF THANKS TO MR NICK BRANSON
Women representing Africa Liberal Network member parties, meeting from 30 July to 2 August 2010 for the second gender workshop, thanked Mr Nick Branson, Executive Secretary of the RLA under the Liberal Democrats in Britain , for his availability, his hard work and high sense of human relations which are great qualities that enable it to ensure calmly and efficiently coordinating the activities of the RLA to the satisfaction of members.
Hammamet, 1 August 2010

Delegates from twenty different African liberal parties were represented at the ALN’s second Gender Workshop. This was kindly hosted the Parti Social Libéral in Hammamet, Tunisia from 30 July-2 August with financial support from the Liberal Democrats’ Westminster Foundation for Democracy programme. The participants presented their achievements, difficulties and lessons learnt since their last meeting in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, and debated the best practice for gender mainstreaming on the African continent. On the final day, the participants developed their own action plans for the next twelve months with help from an expert trainer from the Liberal Democrats’ Campaign for Gender Balance.
ALN President and LI Vice-President, Dr Lamine Bâ, congratulated the delegates on their hard work saying that they had taken “important steps towards increasing the participation of women in African politics”. His party’s delegate, Mme Aminata Lo, Minister for Institutions, offered the support of the Parti Démocratique Sénégalais in hosting the follow-up meeting in Dakar, Senegal next year.
The delegates also adopted urgent political resolutions calling for an end to violence against women, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and for the immediate holding of elections in Cote d’Ivoire. Both issues had been deliberated at the ALN General Assembly meeting in the Seychelles, and sadly there has been no visible improvement in either case.
The participants issued a vote of thanks to the hosts, the Parti Social Libéral, particularly Secretary-General Mr Mondher Thabet and the Organisation of Liberal Women of Tunisia. The delegates awarded the inaugural Prize of African Liberal Women to Senegalese President, Maitre Abdoulaye Wade for his progressive reforms in favour of female participation in politics, and they called on others to follow his lead.
Finally, the delegates pledged their continued support for Mme Alice Nzomukunda, President of Alliance Démocratique pour le Renouveau, who had been arrested during the recent elections in Burundi, and continues to act as an example for aspiring female politicians.