Kenya’s future leaders: Empowering women to win is an ALN project aimed at facilitating and supporting the participation of 15 women candidates in Kenyan politics. The workshop will take place in the Naivasha area of Kenya between 13-15 February 2017, and consists of a range of sessions designed to develop and support the participants in various aspects of Kenyan political life.
The three-day workshop includes training in areas such as understanding the internal ODM party machinery, communicating effectively through different campaign channels, overcoming all forms of political violence, and reaching out to voters through canvassing and on-the-ground campaigning. The workshop also aims to inspire the participants by inviting speakers who have themselves faced and overcome social and political challenges. By combining training sessions with the real life experiences of other female politicians, the workshop aims to provide the participants with the best possible tools for facing the upcoming elections.

Leading up to Kenya’s August 2017 elections, the ALN launched the Campaign and Organisational Development (COD) Unit, its most ambitious project to-date. With this unit, the ALN in collaboration with long-term strategic partners at the UK Liberal Democrats, aims to aid the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in campaigning and building a strong support base in target areas. The ODM is the biggest party in Kenya, holding 99 parliamentary seats, but much work remains to be done to empower women candidates and politicians.
Following the assessment visit of the Campaign and Organisational Development (COD) Unit, a key area identified for support of the ODM is in the training and development of female candidates. Women are often the victims of serious political, economic, and social exclusion in Kenya, and despite legal requirements, political representation of men exceeds the legal two-thirds limit. Although Kenya’s electoral system makes provision for a women’s list and ballot, female ODM candidates often struggle to compete with their counterparts from other parties.
Trainers and facilitators supporting this training in Kenya include:

• Victoria Marsom (former Director of Strategic Seats at the UK Liberal Democrats)
• Brigitte Dzogbenuku (Executive Director of Mentoring Women Ghana and winner of Fortune/Goldman Sachs Women’s Leadership Award)
• Christine Jardine (former candidate for the Scottish Parliament and the UK Parliament and experienced political campaigner in the UK)
• Dr Agnes Zani (ODM Senator and Secretary-General)
• Irene Oloo (Political gender advisor in Kenya)

The ALN and UK Liberal Democrats look forward to this important engagement with the future of Kenya’s political landscape. By working with promising women candidates, the network and its partner for this activity hope to support the ODM in delivering outstanding candidate public representatives to Kenyan voters.

 
Statement of the Africa Liberal Network
Stevens Mokgalapa MP, ALN Southern Africa Vice President
The Africa Liberal Network is alarmed by the proposed collective withdrawal by member states from the International Criminal Court (ICC) . This strategy was yesterday put forward and adopted by the African Union at its summit in Ethiopia.
Although a non-binding decision, the strategy adopted by the AU membership flies in the face of a democratic, human rights agenda, including the Right to Protect imperative. The withdrawal serves no justice to Africa and its peoples, except to cover up the atrocities committed by illiberal, antidemocratic dictators and despots. Clearly, important lessons have not been learned from tragedies in Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, and elsewhere.
ALN President Olivier Kamitatu, a leading figure of the G7 opposition movement  in the DR Congo, implores:
“We urge all AU states to reconsider and ultimately reject any strategy of leaving the ICC. The ICC’s role should be reinforced, reinvigorated and mandated to serve the interests of the defenseless. Instead of an ICC-exit, let us together work to ensure the institution becomes more effective and efficient for the cause of justice.”
We applaud the dissenting voices of certain African countries, including Senegal, which have spoken in favour of remaining in and building up the ICC as a credible, reliable human rights institution. The Senegalese government is led by President Macky Sall and his APR-Yakaar party, a member of the ALN.
In South Africa, the network also applauds the persistent efforts of our full-member, the Democratic Alliance (official opposition). The DA continues to pursue legal means to ensure that the country’s national government – led by the African National Congress – faces the necessary consequences for its unwillingness to arrest Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir whilst he was on South African soil.
The African Union ought to be standing up for the human rights of all. The AU must work towards strengthening institutions which would protect our peoples, especially when their own governments fail to do so.
Media enquiries:
Luke Akal (ALN Coordinator)
+27 (0)81 4813754

Statement of the Africa Liberal Network
William Tucker, ALN West Africa Vice President
The Africa Liberal Network, the continent’s largest political affiliation, applauds the outstanding efforts of ECOWAS in Gambia. The Economic Community of West African States has today given former authoritarian leader, Yahya Jammeh, until noon Gambia-time to give up power.
This follows a march by ECOWAS troops across the border into Gambia, where the troops were met with zero resistance from local forces. The Chief of the Armed Forces of Gambia has himself said that he does not wish to be involved in any political misconduct. Meanwhile, duly-elected President Adama Barrow was sworn in yesterday at the Gambian Embassy in Dakar, Senegal. The embassy constitutes Gambian territory, thus making Barrow’s swearing-in compliant with the country’s laws.
The ALN joins the global call for a peaceful transition of power in Gambia. Upholding constitutionalism, due process, and the rule of law as fundamental tenets of liberal democracy, these principles which can form a foundation for a future prosperous, progressive Gambia.
We also applaud the work of the ALN’s member party in Senegal, the Alliance Pour la République (APR-Yakaar), and President Macky Sall‘s government in the crucial role they have played in protecting the validity of Gambians’ democratic choices. The United Nations and the African Union have supported the work of ECOWAS, reminding us that there must remain space for regional and global cooperation, including the Right to Protect.
Jammeh is now increasingly isolated. With defections from within his cabinet and that of his vice president, Jammeh faces impossible pressure both regionally and globally. Jammeh has previously during his presidency implemented authoritarian policies and provided empty, populist promises at the expense of Gambian citizens. Many have regarded him as an autocratic, violent dictator.
The former president’s human rights record is severely abysmal. Human Rights Watch lists arbitrary detention, torture, forced disappearances and gross injustices as part of Jammeh’s despotic reign in Gambia. Jammeh held particular draconian disdain for journalists, opposition politicians, and LGBT activists.
The ALN looks forward to the dawn of a new chapter in a tolerant, open, united Gambia.
Media enquiries:
Luke Akal (ALN Coordinator)
+27 (0)81 481 3754
 

The ALN is proud to announce that the network’s upcoming 13th General Assembly will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 22-25 March 2017. Hosted by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and under the theme Liberals in Cooperation: Coalitions, Negotiations, and Democratic Collaboration, the 2017 General Assembly focuses on cooperation among liberals in Africa. Our sessions will emphasise the need for increased collaboration among liberal democrats not only across the continent, but also within our respective countries.
With the rise of militant populism, authoritarianism, religious extremism, and other anti-democratic and illiberal ideologies, it is crucial that liberals work together to ensure a future of freedom for all Africans. Never before has the need for liberals to stand united in their principles been so great, with so very much at stake for the continent’s prosperous development and advancement.
Collaborating as liberals and democrats builds towards a brighter future for our countries and the continent. It is this future which must be built for our youth, and of which they are the main stakeholders; the future truly is in their hands. With this in mind, the 2017 General Assembly will also hold a strong focus on young people, increasing their roles and participation in political life, and providing a space for the innovative approaches provided by Africa’s youth. The newly-elected Advisory Youth Council (AYC) will hold its own session at the General Assembly, outlining its vision and mission in promoting liberal democracy as a beacon of hope for Africa’s young people.
The network’s members will also be welcomed by our host party, the Orange Democratic Movement. The ODM hosts the General Assembly at a pivotal time in Kenyan history, with the upcoming August 8th 2017 nationwide elections set to take place after receiving support from the ALN’s Campaign and Organisational Development Unit throughout the year.
The ALN expresses its gratitude towards its partners for the event, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), the UK Liberal Democrats, the Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie (VVD), and the International Democratic Initiative of D66.
Invitations and delegate nomination forms have been sent to all political party members of the ALN. For further information or to learn more about participating in the event, please contact the ALN Secretariat:
Luke Akal (Coordinator)
luke.akal@africaliberalnetwork.org
 

After receiving exceptionally strong nominations from across the Africa Liberal Network’s member parties, the network’s first Advisory Youth Council (AYC) has been elected. This council, mandated to provide a voice for Africa’s liberal youth, will meet at its first Pan-African Young Leaders’ Retreat in March this year.
At the retreat, the newly-elected AYC Executive Committee is set to chart a vision for the council, identify its core aims, and engage in training and development sessions to craft and promote the AYC’s brand. The AYC will also engage in with the broader ALN General Assembly at a fringe session, which will be led and managed by the AYC itself.
The elected Secretary-General of the AYC, Richard Nii Amarh (Progressive People’s Party, Ghana) believes that the AYC must work hard to encourage and advocate open, tolerant, and democratic societies across the continent.
“I am personally challenged to do more to free my friends, colleagues, family, and all Africans from the effect of illiberal ideas, which have resulted in low participation in the democratic and development process. Whenever we fail to involve all persons in our democratic march forward, we help create a society where some are apathetic towards development. I wish to dedicate my time, knowledge, and experience in advocacy to help the AYC develop a well-structured framework that will ensure we reach all young Africans with the good news of our organisation.”
Following the cross-continental elections, the AYC is comprised as follows:

The ALN congratulates the Advisory Youth Council on successful elections and looks forward to a healthy, productive relationship as the two work together towards the advancement of liberal democracy across Africa. The election of the first-ever AYC comes at a time where the potential and need for liberalism is strongest, especially to secure a brighter, prosperous future for Africa’s future decision-makers: its youth.

As Africa’s largest political affiliation, the Africa Liberal Network seeks to support the growth and development of its liberal democratic member parties in order to win elections and go on to form liberal government to deliver positive, democratic change. It is the hope of the network that by doing so, we can play a part in bringing about positive change to the millions of Africans living in our beautiful continent.
In what will be the network’s most ambitious project to-date, the ALN is now turning its attention to Kenya. Here, the network and partners will cooperate with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the August 2017 General Elections, collaborating to support the party’s campaign and assist the ODM in building its support base so that it can ultimately deliver real change for Kenyans. This follows the successful pilot project in Botswana (2014), in which the liberal Botswana Movement for Democracy became a leading figure in the largest opposition coalition.
In collaboration with the U.K. Liberal Democrats and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the ALN’s newly-launched Campaign and Organisational Development (COD) Unit will support, peer-to-peer, the ODM in the run-up to next year’s polling day. Campaign experts, strategists, researchers and other election professionals will be brought in by the ALN and its partners to develop the ODM’s ability to maximise its performance in the Kenyan parliamentary elections.
“The ODM looks forward to a very fruitful relationship with the ALN’s COD Unit. I am confident that through the network’s track record, expertise and enthusiasm for liberalism in Africa, we will reach new heights in the next elections. We are in it to #WinKenya2017, and the ODM aims to use our election growth for the benefit of all the people of this country,” remarked Rosemary Machua, ALN Vice President for East Africa.
Encouraged by the great achievements of the 2014 Botswana project which saw the BMD grow in popularity, the Liberal Democrats are again on-board to support the ALN and the ODM to #WinKenya2017
“The International Office of the Liberal Democrats here in the U.K. is passionate about growing liberal democracy in Africa. Sponsored by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, we hold a mandate to do our best in supporting efforts that lead to vibrant, healthy democracies. Our long relationship with the ALN is one which allows us to support the ODM and oversee great results in 2017,” says Harriet Shone, Liberal Democrats Head of International Office.
In the first stop of the COD Unit, the ALN will in October 2016 travel to Nairobi to meet with key decision-makers and fellow strategists of the ODM. This assessment visit will provide the network and partners with the chance to identify areas for development in the ODM’s election strategy, organisational capacity and overall objectives. It is also an opportunity to build relationships with new and existing colleagues, all with one goal: #WinKenya2017.

Statement of the Africa Liberal Network
Olivier Kamitatu, ALN President
The Africa Liberal Network’s member party in South Sudan, the People’s Liberal Party (PLP), has persistently faced threats of violence and arrest allegedly by members of the ruling regime. The target of these threats are members of the party and its leader, Peter Mayen Majongdit.
As the largest political affiliation on the continent, the ALN denounces these threats and demands that Mr Mayen’s safety is assured by the South Sudanese government and its security forces. We also reject as political propaganda the outlandish claims that Mr Mayen is cooperating with the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) .

PLP (second from right) leader, Peter Mayen, at a recent meeting of the ALN Executive Committee in Johannesburg, South Africa

The Africa Liberal Network is proud to announce that a youth committee of the network has been established. This is an exciting time for the ALN, as nominations for elective positions of the first-ever Advisory Youth Council (AYC) are now open. For more information on the AYC, its opportunities and responsibilities, please read the About the AYC document.
Nominations open on 24 July 2016 and will close on 23 September 2016.

Positions

The following positions within the Advisory Youth Council are open for applications:
• Secretary General
• Regional Coordinators for each region of Africa (North, South, East, West, Central)
• Treasurer

Eligibility

Positions of the Advisory Youth Council are open to only full members of the ALN. Both observer and full members are eligible to vote for candidates.
Each candidate must not be older than 35 years of age, as per the African Youth Charter.
Only one candidate per ALN member party is eligible to be nominated to each one of the positions outlined above. For example, Party X may nominate only one person to the position of Secretary-General, another individual to the Treasurer role, and a third person to the relevant Regional Coordinator position. Thus, the Party may nominate up to three individuals where each is nominated to a different role.

Nomination Process and Deadlines

Member parties are advised that each candidate is requested to complete the provided application form for the relevant position and submit this to the ALN Secretariat. Nominations open on 24 July 2016 and will close on 23 September 2016. Candidates and member parties are welcome to campaign and engage on a variety of platforms, including social media, during this time.

Election Process

After receiving applications, the ALN Secretariat will invite all full and observer member parties to vote for the positions of Secretary-General, Regional Coordinator (relevant to their location), and Treasurer. Each member party will receive one vote per position.
Voting will be open on 3 October and close on 10 October 2016. Voting will take place via electronic means. An individualised, secret link for voting will be sent to each observer and full ALN member party. Once voting has closed, the results will be announced by the Coordinator of the ALN.

Statement by Olivier Kamitatu (ALN President)
Africa’s largest political affiliation, the Africa Liberal Network, congratulates the Democratic Alliance on the crucial steps it has taken to lead the way in the formation of a multi-party coalition agreement across numerous hung municipalities in South Africa.
Following the August 3^rd Local Government Elections, this coalition agreement of five political parties is a pivotal moment in South Africa’s democratic development. Led by Mmusi Maimane, the DA has taken a positive step forward in the direction of good governance for all South Africans. Maimane has led the way in a decision which empowers the millions of South Africans who clearly voted for change in the country, especially in the vital metropolitan municipalities of Tshwane and Nelson Mandela Bay, which include the cities of Pretoria and Port Elizabeth respectively.
“We are proud to announce that we have entered into arrangements to bring together a broad coalition of the Congress of the People (COPE), African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), Freedom Front+ (FF+) and United Democratic Movement (UDM),” said Maimane.
Crucially, the national governing party, the African National Congress (ANC), does not hold an absolute majority of seats in the City of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni. The possibility of a minority government led by the DA is therefore one that remains.
According to the leader of the DA:
“The framework of our agreement is that we put the people ahead of political interests, so we can ensure that we: create an environment that facilitates the attraction of investment, the creation of jobs and economic growth; the delivery of basic services to communities that still live under the most deplorable of conditions and; that we eliminate corruption so that resources are put behind service delivery and the running a government for the people.”
The Africa Liberal Network is proud of the example set by the Democratic Alliance for all liberals and democrats across Africa. By putting the interests of citizens first, the DA is ensuring that South Africans receive good, clean governance and excellence in service delivery. It is through adopting examples such as this that Africa’s democracies will develop and flourish for the benefit of all its people.
Media enquiries:
Luke Akal (ALN Coordinator)
+27 (0)81 4813754