Le Réseau libéral africain (RLA), la plus grande affiliation de partis politiques libéraux en Afrique, s’est réuni à Accra, au Ghana, du 2 au 4 mars 2018 pour son 14ème Assemblée générale. Cette année, nous avons été gracieusement accueillis par le PPP (Progressive People’s Party) du Ghana, qui nous a aidé à accueillir des partis membres venant de 24 pays africains différents et des partenaires venant de divers pays européens. Les délégués se sont retrouvés lors de leur rassemblement annuel pour discuter des questions concernant le RLA ainsi que du thème de l’Assemblée générale cette année :

“Plus de liberté et d’équité : À la recherche de la croissance de l’économie africaine” 

Il est juste que nous nous rencontrions en Afrique de l’Ouest, dont certains pays sont gouvernés par les libéraux au niveau national ou régional, le Sénégal et la Côte d’Ivoire illustrant parfaitement les opportunités et la prospérité qui peuvent être créées et maintenues par le libéralisme en action. Nous vivons dans un monde où les valeurs démocratiques libérales et les institutions qui les soutiennent sont constamment menacées. Cela représente un défi pour la coopération régionale et mondiale, les droits de l’homme et les valeurs libérales de tolérance, de paix et de justice. Les libéraux africains ont néanmoins une opportunité unique de continuer à avancer à contre-courant et de fournir des lueurs d’espoir au monde. Le rôle des partis d’opposition dans les pays africains est plus important que jamais et les libéraux doivent rester des voix critiques de l’opposition avec des promesses d’espoir pour tous les citoyens.
Le thème de cette Assemblée générale prend plus d’importance que jamais. Au fur et à mesure que les pays renforcent leurs démocraties partout dans le continent, nous ne devons pas oublier le développement et la stimulation des économies africaines. L’Afrique est un continent riche en ressources, en capital et à fort potentiel. Aujourd’hui, le continent abrite près de la moitié des 20 économies les plus dynamiques du monde. Au fur et à mesure que ces marchés et ces économies se développent, souvent à des rythmes rapides, il est important d’examiner comment cette croissance peut profiter au plus grand nombre, plutôt qu’à un faible pourcentage du pays. Le dialogue sur la façon dont les politiques économiques libérales et les économies de marché peuvent combler l’écart grandissant entre les plus favorisés et les moins favorisés est crucial. C’est une question qui ne peut pas attendre, mais qui, au contraire, doit être considérée comme un processus parallèle.
Au cours des deux journées de l’Assemblée générale, les délégués ont discuté de différents sujets en relation avec ce thème, avec l’aide de nos partenaires stratégiques essentiels : le Bureau international des Démocrates libéraux (Liberal Democrats) et la Fondation Friedrich Naumann pour la liberté. Des experts venant d’Afrique et d’Europe ont organisé des sessions sur le manuel des libéraux concernant les politiques pouvant être élaborées afin de développer les économies africaines tout en gardant à l’esprit le bien-être de tous les africains. Une autre session s’est concentrée sur la manière dont les pays peuvent stimuler leur marché de l’emploi et leur économie par l’entremise de programmes d’apprentissage. Les délégués étaient divisés en groupes francophones et anglophones, assurant ainsi une implication optimale et un travail en groupe de qualité. Ils ont été incités à sortir des sentiers battus, à concevoir des solutions créatives et à discuter de questions plus spécifiques relatives au thème.
La deuxième moitié de l’Assemblée générale était dédiée à la discussion sur la Déclaration d’Accra sur les économies libérales. Les diverses questions soulevées comme étant des priorités pour le RLA en matière d’économies libérales concernent des marchés libres et équitables sans barrières, l’accroissement des échanges commerciaux, l’innovation et la numérisation, l’émancipation des femmes et l’égalité entre les sexes, la mise en place d’institutions justes et indépendantes, et la protection des droits de l’homme dans un contexte de développement imminent. Les partis membres du RLA se sont engagés à œuvrer pour garantir une croissance économique sûre et pacifique pour tous les peuples et les nations d’Afrique, et ont réaffirmé leur conviction que les gouvernements africains doivent adopter des politiques justes et libérales.
Vers la fin de la dernière journée, le programme s’est scindé en deux événements parallèles. Le Comité des droits de l’homme de l’Internationale libérale (Liberal International Human Rights Committee) a organisé, en partenariat avec le D66 des Pays-Bas, un atelier sur la Liberté de religion et de croyance. Les participants ont pu partager des expériences tirées de leurs propres pays et formuler des propositions de politiques destinées à aborder cette question au niveau national et international. La session avait pour objectif de s’accorder sur une approche libérale commune sur ce sujet. La deuxième session consistait en une table ronde animée par le VVD des Pays-Bas et la Fédération libérale arabe (ALF – Arab Liberal Federation) sur le sujet des échanges commerciaux intra-arabes et les défis et possibilités qu’ils présentent. Cette table ronde visait à partager les résultats et les recommandations du rapport de la Fédération libérale arabe sur le commerce intra-arabe. Le groupe de travail a également échangé des idées et des recommandations du point de vue de l’Afrique dans son ensemble, et en particulier de la région ouest-africaine.
Nous avons le plaisir de confirmer que le nombre de nos membres a substantiellement augmenté au cours de ce rassemblement. Trois nouveaux partis issus de la République démocratique du Congo, de Madagascar et du Burkina Faso ont été acceptés comme membres observateurs, tandis que cinq partis, venant du Mali, de la Mauritanie, du Ghana et de la Zambie respectivement, ont été promus au rang de membres à part entière. Le fait que le nombre de nos membres augmente de manière si durable et constante est un bon signe, cela signifie que le libéralisme se développe en Afrique !
Outre la Déclaration d’Accra sur les économies libérales, les délégués ont adopté trois résolutions sur la Somalie, la Zambie et le réchauffement planétaire.
En conclusion, cette Assemblée générale a été extrêmement fructueuse. Nous sommes ravis que 25 pays différents aient pris le temps, malgré leur calendrier politique chargé, de participer au plus grand rassemblement des partis libéraux en Afrique. Il s’agit d’une occasion dont nous sommes reconnaissants et nous tenons à remercier nos partenaires stratégiques, les Démocrates libéraux et la Fondation Friedrich Naumann pour la liberté, pour leur soutien continu à tous les niveaux vis-à-vis des activités du RLA. Dans le même ordre d’idée, nous tenons à exprimer nos remerciements à nos donateurs et partenaires en matière de libéralisme, le VVD et le D66 des Pays-Bas, ainsi qu’à l’Internationale libérale, et en particulier au Comité des droits de l’homme. Nous espérons, au cours de l’année qui suit, développer le réseau, nos partenariats, nos économies et nos pays !

DECLARATION TAKEN AT THE 2018 ALN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Accra, Ghana

4 March 2018

We, the ALN member parties, commit to working for secure and peaceful economic growth for all the peoples and nations of Africa and believe that fundamental to that is securing fair liberal economic policies for the benefit of all through the adoption by the governments of Africa, acting on the principles of full transparency and good governance, and provisions enshrined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966, of the following priorities for action;

1. Acknowledging that a free and fair market without trade barriers, notwithstanding the Zanzibar Declaration of 2014, coupled with free movement of citizens of African countries within Africa without visa approval, is the path towards an economically developed African continent. International trade is important for long term growth, but also for decreasing poverty. Increased trade lifts both people and countries out from poverty and contribute to more openness and inclusiveness.
2. Recognising that Africa is becoming a key player in acquiring, generating and applying knowledge to the different challenges within development. However, in order to make innovation play its part in the pursuit for diversification and transformation of the African economies more progress has to be done. Support in a sustainable way is needed to help African states address their urgent needs such as industrialisation, the green economy and job creation.
3. Understanding that women’s economic advancement, in line with the UN Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women of 1979, is not only beneficial and crucial for gender inequality but also a precondition for Africa’s development as a whole.
4. Understanding that the creation of non-exploitative work opportunities and due payment of earning in line with the Protocol of the International Labor Organization on Collective Bargaining of 1949, especially for the large population of unemployed youth, is essential for Africa’s economic transformation and sustainable development.
5. Ensuring the implementation and application of the Rule of Law in conformity with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, Universal Covenant on the Political and Civil Rights of 1966 and the African Charter on People’s and Human Rights of 1981, in order to uphold vital and democratic governance with stable independent institutions where checks and balances are agreed, and treaties and agreements are adhered to. This is key in creating a prosperous and fair African economy.
6. Providing for the inevitable urbanisation and large flows of migration that comes along with economic growth, ensuring that adequate preparation is made for these changes and the impact it might have on public services, infrastructure, wages and health care, among others.
7. Ensuring that as economies grow, natural resources are protected, food security is guaranteed and access to clean water is provided by governments. The sustainable and responsible development of Africa’s economies depend on these factors being taken into consideration.
8. Acknowledging that public infrastructure investment is long overdue and working for the removal of unnecessary regulation, and regulatory uncertainty. It is also vital that we support new markets and investment, especially when it comes to resource-efficient innovations.
9. Working towards promoting innovation, scientific research and skills without degrading the environment, that will be vital for prosperity in the future knowledge-based economy. Increasing artificial intelligence is something that will change the nature of work for many which means that Africa needs to act now to ensure this technological advancement can be of the benefit of everyone and that no areas are left in technology’s shadow.

The Africa Liberal Network (ALN), Africa’s largest affiliation of liberal political parties, met in Accra, Ghana from 2 to 4 March 2018 for their 14th annual General Assembly meeting. This year we were graciously hosted by ALN member party, the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) of Ghana, where they helped us welcome member parties from 24 African countries, and partners from various European countries. Delegates met in their annual meeting to discuss ALN matters as well as the theme of this year’s General Assembly:

“More Freedom & Fairness: The Pursuit of Growing Africa’s Economy”.

It is apt that we met in West Africa, with countries where liberals govern on a national or regional basis, such as in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire act as shining examples of the opportunities and prosperity which can be created and sustained by liberalism in action. We live in a world where the liberal democratic values and the institutions that uphold it is under constant threat. This is a challenge to regional and global cooperation, human rights, and liberal values of tolerance, peace, and justice. Nevertheless, African liberals have a unique opportunity to continue to rise against the tide and provide beacons of hope for the globe. The role of opposition parties in African countries are as important as ever and liberals must remain critical voices of opposition with promises of hope for all citizens.
The theme of this General Assembly is becoming more important than ever. As countries are consolidating their democracies all over the continent, we cannot forget about the development and stimulation of Africa’s economies. It is a continent rich in resources, capital and potential. Today, Africa homes almost half of the world’s 20 fastest growing economies. As these markets and economies grow, often at rapid rates, it is important to address how this growth can be shared broadly, rather than benefitting a small percentage of the country. Dialogue about how liberal economic policies and market economies can bridge the widening gap between the most and least advantaged is crucial. It is not a matter that can wait but should instead be considered as a parallel process.
Over the two days of the General Assembly, delegates engaged on various topics relating to this topic with the help and assistance of our crucial strategic partners: the Liberal Democrats’ International Office and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. Experts from Africa and Europe hosted sessions on the liberal’s handbook for policies that can be developed to grow African economies while still keeping the well-being of all Africans in mind. Another session was held on how countries are able to stimulate the job market and economy through the use of apprenticeship programs. Delegates were divided into French and English-speaking groups, ensuring that optimal engagement and group work is guaranteed. They were encouraged to think outside the box, think of creative solutions and to debate the finer issues relating to the theme.
The second half of the General Assembly we dedicated our time to the discussion of the Accra Declaration on Liberal Economies. Various issues raised as priorities for the ALN in terms of liberal economies are free and fair markets without barriers, increased trade, innovation and digitization, women empowerment and gender equality, the establishment of fair and independent institutions, and the protection of human rights in light of imminent development. The ALN member parties committed to working for secure and peaceful economic growth for all the peoples and nations of Africa and emphasised their belief that fair liberal economic policies have to be adopted by the governments of Africa.
At the end of the final day, the program diverted into two side events. The Liberal International Human Rights Committee in partnership with D66 from the Netherlands is hosted a workshop on Freedom of Religion and Belief. Here, participants exchanged experiences from their own countries and formulated policy proposals on how to tackle the issue on both a national and international level. The session served to agree on a common liberal approach to the issue. The second session was a panel discussion hosted by VVD form the Netherlands and the Arab Liberal Federation (ALF) on intra-Arabic trade, and the challenges and opportunities that entail. This panel discussion aimed to share the results of the Arab Liberal Federation report on Intra-Arab Trade and its recommendations. The panel also exchanged ideas and recommendations from the broader African point of view and in particular of the Western African region.
We are pleased to announce that our membership grew significantly during this gathering. Three new parties from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar and Burkina Faso have been accepted as observer members, whereas five parties, from Mali, Mauritania, Ghana and Zambia, respectively were promoted to full membership. It is a good sign that our membership is growing so sustainably and constantly – liberalism is on the rise in Africa!
Besides the Accra Declaration on Liberal Economies, delegates passed three resolutions on Somalia, Zambia and global warming.
 
In conclusion, it has been an extremely fruitful General Assembly. We are pleased that 25 different countries took time out of their busy political schedules to attend the largest gathering of liberal parties in Africa. It’s an opportunity we are grateful for, and we wish to thank our strategic partners, the Liberal Democrats and Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom for their continued support on all levels for ALN activities. In the same vein we would like to extend our thanks to our donors and partners in liberalism, the VVD and D66 from the Netherlands, and Liberal International, in particular the Human Rights Committee. We hope to grow the network, our partnerships, our economies and our countries in the next year to come!
 

Our colleagues at Liberal International released the following statement on opposition and Egyptian voters suppression in Egypt ahead of their upcoming elections. The Africa Liberal Network stands with its global liberal family in condemning these acts and call on the government to cease such undemocratic practices. 
 

Harassment of Egyptian civil society and the throttling of political opponents of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is intensifying as the presidential elections next month draw closer.
Ahmed Abd Ramo, Secretary General of the Liberal Youth Forum and member of the political bureau of the Free Egyptians Party was seized and interrogated by the Egyptian police 23rd January 2018. He was in the Asyut region collecting signatures for presidential candidate Sami Anan when he was beaten and taken from his hotel room. He was then interrogated for six hours and finally dropped off in the desert. Fortunately he was able to survive and find a safe haven.
Hossam Eldin Aly, president of the Egyptian Democratic Academy, has not been able to leave Egypt for more than 1,000 days. Like scores of other directors of Egyptian non-governmental organisations, today Mr Aly lives with a travel ban – imposed by the government – for building bridges between the NGO movement in Egypt and the outside world. It is for this reason that he was unable to join us at the 199th LI Executive Committee in Johannesburg, South Africa.
More than 60, 000 people remain in jail and hundreds have been forcefully detained and tortured for daring to publicly criticize the government of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi with little or no hope of an impartial judicial process.
Arbitrary travel bans, along with asset freezes, have been weaponized by the government to impose restrictions on basic human rights such freedom of movement and freedom of expression, association and assembly. For the last 18 months, the ban on travel has been transformed from a precautionary measure issued by judicial order to an arbitrary punishment used to restrict democracy activists. Most of the affected activists have never been summoned for interrogation nor had the cases against them heard. These malicious restrictions directly contravene the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Human Rights Committee of Liberal International insists on legislative changes that remove all restrictions on freedom of speech, association, and assembly, in compliance with the basic values of the 2011 revolution and the international conventions of which Egypt is signatory.
Further, I strongly condemn the use of travel bans, asset freezes, and arbitrary detentions of civil society and human rights activists, independent journalists, and members of the opposition in Egypt, and urge the government to put an end to these illegal practices.

 
Find more information and the statement here.

The Africa Liberal Network takes note, and along with many African and world leaders, condemn the offensive remarks made about African countries by the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump. During a meeting with lawmakers on Thursday the President reportedly used foul and derogatory terms to describe African countries, asking why many so many African immigrants have been allowed entry into the US. It is our view, along with many others, that these comments are incredibly ignorant, disrespectful and racist. In a time where African countries and other nations need to stand together and support each other, it is shocking to hear that one of the most powerful leaders in the world have such crude and offensive opinions of our great continent.
Africa has its fair share of obstacles and struggles, but it is also filled with hard-working, caring and innovative people, who are passionate about seeing a better future for their families, communities, countries and continent. Many such individuals are part of our network and liberal family, and spend most of their lives fighting for a just and fair society, even in the face of grave adversity. It is clear that President Trump has a skewed and ignorant view of what makes this continent and its people so special.
The Africa Liberal Network calls on President Trump to revoke his words and issue an unequivocal apology to all the great nations of Africa. He has to be held accountable for his statements by the American government and electorate alike. We also call on the UN Human Rights Council to pay attention to these statements and act accordingly.
Media enquiries:
Zanie Ferreira (ALN Coordinator)
zanie.maree@africaliberalnetwork.org

The Africa Liberal Network takes note and condemns in the strongest possible terms reports of the ongoing Libyan slave trade. Due to recent media reports it has come to our attention that African migrants are being sold at auction for as little as $400. This exploitation of Africans leaving their countries looking for better prospects is not only inhumane but a blatant abuse of human rights. Libya has become a large transit hub for Africans leaving for Europe, and the Libyan government should ensure the safety of all Africans, irrespective of origin, background, class or creed. We call on the Libyan authorities, regional powers and international community to speak out against these crimes against humanity, and for those who are found to partake in such actions to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, including internationally. The situation requires new avenues of legal migration and ensuring that smugglers and traffickers do not exploit those who are most vulnerable and marginalized. Smuggling networks often resort to ruthless actions against migrants, including torturing, extorting and detaining migrants before they face the dangerous trip to Europe across the Mediterranean. Furthermore, the instability in Libya has created a breeding ground for such actions and it is paramount that the country addresses these issues internally as well.
There is no place in Africa for the sale of humans and such clear abuse of power. The Africa Liberal Network is committed to a better future for all Africans, and condemns this horrific treatment of migrants. As African countries we have a duty to stand up and speak out against such human rights abuses, and we must act to ensure it never happens again. In 2014 the ALN passed the Marrakech Declaration on Human Rights, reaffirming it’s position and commitment to protect human rights. Every ALN member party is also expected to ascribe to these values and promote it in their policies.
Media enquiries:
Zanie Ferreira (ALN Coordinator)
zanie.maree@africaliberalnetwork.org

The ALN takes note of a range of attacks and reports of Kenyan post-election violence on supporters of the National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition. After the nullification of election results by the Kenyan Supreme Court, the NASA coalition, lead by Raila Odinga of ALN member party, the ODM, announced that they would not be participating in subsequent elections. They asserted that the second round of elections could not possibly take place fairly as there was not sufficient time to reform the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and rid it of irregularities noted during the first round of elections.
Since the announcement and consequential election success of Jubilee and President Uhuru Kenyatta, there have been reports of widespread oppression, intimidation and violence against NASA supporters, with some news sources reporting at least 66 people dead. Most recently, on 17 November, protesters escorting Odinga’s motorcade from Nairobi airport was attacked by state police, killing at least 5 people. Violence erupted and clashes with the police spread into other parts of the Kenyan capital, where protesters were faced with heavy-handed police brutality.
The ALN condemns this inexcusable use of state power by President Kenyatta to oppress opposition and their mobilisation. We call for peace in Kenya, and urge all Kenyans on both sides to remain calm especially in light of the recent announcement by the Kenyan Supreme Court that it has accepted President Kenyatta’s second election victory. NASA challenged these results in court but the Chief Justice dismissed any legal action.
Democracy, rule of law and constitutionalism must be held high during such troubling times. The ALN supports its sister party, and will continue to fight for liberal values, not only in Kenya, but over the whole of Africa.
Media enquiries:
Zanie Ferreira (ALN Coordinator)
zanie.maree@africaliberalnetwork.org

The largest political affiliation in Africa, the Africa Liberal Network, takes note of the unfolding events in Zimbabwe. On 14 November 2017 the Zimbabwean military took control of the country and state media, announcing it was targeting “criminals” around President Robert Mugabe shortly after Mugabe fired his Vice-President‚ Emmerson Mnangagwa. Mnangagwa was set to compete for the top ZANU-PF leadership spot against President Mugabe’s wife, Grace Mugabe. In a move that the armed forces have denied as a military coup, Mugabe and his family were placed under house arrest while talks have risen about a potential transitional government, easing him out of his longstanding term in office. At the age of 93, President Mugabe has been at the helm of a struggling country for far too long and the opportunity is ripe for Zimbabwe to transition into a stable, democratic country. We urge the President to step aside peacefully and allow for free and fair elections to take place.
These recent events show the big divide in the ruling party. We encourage and support our liberal friends and opposition parties in Zimbabwe to stand for the values we hold dear: constitutionalism, transparency, rule of law, multiparty democracy and peace. We implore Zimbabweans to remain calm and show non-violent restraint during this time. The ALN is monitoring the situation closely and offer our unwavering support to those who are fighting for a better, democratic Zimbabwe.
Media enquiries:
Zanie Ferreira (ALN Coordinator)
zanie.maree@africaliberalnetwork.org

 
 
 
 

The Africa Liberal Youth recently had an opportunity to attend a youth workshop hosted by the Africa Liberal Network and funded by the Liberal Democrats in Johannesburg, South Africa. On the fringe of the Liberal International meeting from 26 – 29 October 2017, they learned about social media use for political organisations, fundraising for projects and got to share company with some of the world’s biggest liberal figures.
Richard Nii Amarh, the Secretary-General of ALY, wrote about their experience at this youth workshop:
 
“The Africa Liberal Youth (ALY) had the opportunity to stay in Johannesburg between 26 and 29 October 2017 to undertake a workshop on Social Media and Fundraising. In fact this was the same time the Liberal International Executive Committee was having its 199th Executive Committee meeting. This workshop was made possible through the kind funding of the International Office of the Liberal Democrats.
The purpose of this workshop was to equip the Executive Committee of ALY with the necessary skills to take full advantage of social media to achieve its purpose, while at the same time raise funds to finance its operations. All six Executive Committee members of ALY were present: Richard Nii Amarh, Secretary General; Luyolo Mphithi, Treasurer; Jawad Chafil, North Africa Coordinator; Emmanuel Osei, West Africa Coordinator; Hamisi Kapalila, East Africa Coordinator; and Lidia Rauch, Southern Africa Coordinator. These executives were also joined by Tone Bjorndal, Secretary General of IFLRY and Anders Rehnberg, vice President of IFLRY. Harriet Shone of the LibDems International Office and Zanie Ferreira of the ALN were there to supervise the two-day workshop.
  
The workshop exposed the participants to the intricacies of social media platforms, how they work optimally, how they can be improved, how to use them professionally, etc. The team had the opportunity to audit their own social media platforms based on professional standards provided by the facilitators. This audit helped them identify the strengths and weaknesses of the social media platforms and to help them review them for the better. Marike Groenewald, the facilitator, and Mabine Seabe of the Democratic Alliance should be commended for the sharing of their immense knowledge in social media communication with the participants.
The second day of the workshop gave the team an opportunity to balance the balance sheet. It was time to talk money. Participants learnt a lot from, Jonathan Moakes, chief strategist for the Democratic Alliance who had a hand in building up the DA to the admirable party it is today. Fundraising is not always a comfortable subject in politics. ALY has the advantage of not being a political party and might be luckier. Yet it has to prioritise fundraising and use social media to its advantage. Jonathan exposed us to very diverse resources and, most importantly, practical ways of raising funds to support our activities.

On the last day we had the chance to meet in order to plan how we would execute all we had learned. By ourselves, without a facilitator, only us. This gave the Executive Committee the chance to make decisions and provide timelines for these plans. The workshop was not the only thing that happened in Johannesburg. ALY executives had the chance to interact with some LI Executive committee members as well as the opportunity to attend the FNF Freedom Award. It was an amazing opportunity to meet some important Liberals and listen to the freedom situations in some Africa countries.

On the first day of our training, we had the opportunity to have some encouraging words from the President of the Africa Liberal Network, Stevens Mokgalapa. This was so refreshing as we hardly get to meeting him until such occasions. This has been a very great opportunity for ALY. As a continental organisation, with executives from diverse areas in Africa, we hardly get the chance to meet in person. The workshop along with our Executive Meeting left us with a positive feeling and a renewed energy for the ALY.
I would like to thank the funders and hosts, as well as my team for their hard work and dedication.”