The network has the greatest pleasure to announce our President, Maître Gilbert Noël Ouédraogo as endorsed by the network’s #ALN2020GA convened during 13 – 15 February 2020, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Together with the Executive Committee, President Gilbert Noël Ouédraogo will be leading the execution of the network’s 3 year strategy plan, which can be summarised as:

The network’s strategic priorities 2019 – 2022:

*External vision*: a prosperous and integrated Africa of flourishing democracies that are at peace with one another, in which all persons have the right and opportunity to fulfil their potential and be what they want to be;

*Internal vision*: a respected and influential advocate of liberal ideas on the African continent;

*Mission*: the network’s mission is to empower liberal political parties to grow their support, to increase their influence on politics of the continent and to implement liberal policies when in government.

Action Plan 2019 – 2020:

1. Adopt a clear national and regional strategy plan, which coincides with the continental strategy;
2. Support member parties with peer 2 peer exchange programmes;
3. Convene regional training workshops for member parties;
4. The constitutional review task team to investigate minimum standards of inclusion for youth and women. Investigation findings to be relayed, for consideration, by the ALN Executive Committee and ALN member party Executive Committees;
5. Extend to ALN member parties, realistic commitments and achievable goals, as outlined in the ALN Constitution, Johannesburg Declaration and the Liberal Manifesto for Africa;
6. Initiate and/ or collaborate with national, liberal political philosophy platforms;
7. Initiate the network’s annual calendar;
8. Initiate the network’s annual budget, complementing the calendar and the above outlined action plan.

Best wishes to the network, under the leadership of President Gilbert Noël Ouédraogo.

15 FEBRUARY, BURKINA FASO

Recommendations on the theme: Peace and stability for economic and social development

• Considering its General Assembly, convened during 13 – 15 February 2020 in Ouagadougou, themed: Peace and stability for Economic and Social Development in Africa;
• Recalling the principle of solidarity and union of liberal parties to meet the aspirations of the African populations who expect from governance more justice, more peace and stability for equitable development;
• Recalling the interactive link between peace and stability, necessary conditions for economic and social development understood as a situation where there are no prospects for wealth, acquiring knowledge, power and whose achievement requires predictability and durability;
• Deploring the intensification of violence, the increasing attacks and kidnappings perpetrated by extremist groups in several African countries, in recent months, such as Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, making the security situation worrying and disturbing;
• Considering that respect for the Constitution is the first pledge of stability of a nation;
• Considering that stability and peace, without which all national construction is doomed to failure, constitute the guarantee of a country’s prosperity;
• Recalling the creed of the RLA which is to defend freedom, democracy and institutions;
• Wishing to promote economic and social development through entrepreneurship and the stimulation of the private sector;
• Aware of the harmful consequences of a constitutional forcing for unconstitutional mandates;
• Noting the perverse effects of the Internet on education, culture, social relations and the animation of political parties;

The Africa Liberal Network (ALN),

• Follows with concern the recent developments in the political crisis in Guinea, born of the will of the President of the Republic, Alpha Condé, to amend the Constitution in order to grant himself a third mandate;
• Recalls its attachment to the limitation of presidential mandates, as indicated in the Liberal Pan-African Manifesto adopted at its General Assembly in Abidjan in 2012;
• Encourages African States to adopt in their Constitution the limitation of mandates in order to promote democratic change and avoid the detention of supreme power by one person for an extended period, with all the known consequences;
• Condemns, therefore, the obstinacy of the Guinean President to change the Constitution of his country, eight months ahead of the end of his second and last mandate, with the sole aim of being able to seek a third term, at the tender age of 83 years;
• Support and encourage the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC) – a coalition of opposition political parties, unions and civil society organizations – which is fighting with courage and determination against this project to change the Constitution despite the ruthless repression to which his supporters are subjected to;
• Condemns the violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms by the recurrent use of lethal weapons in Guinea, during political or trade union demonstrations, which have to date resulted in the death of 134 innocent civilian demonstrators who are opposed to the Constitution amendment and the Guinean statutory laws amendment;
• Recommends that the elections in Africa which are a source of instability and conflict take place in compliance with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance;

Formulates, in accordance with the principles of peace, stability and economic development of the Liberal Manifesto for Africa, the following recommendations:

1. Bring together traditional, religious and political leaders in each country in order to deeply identify the causes of internal conflicts;
2. Establish an inclusive, frank and permanent dialogue between the living forces of the nation on questions of national interest concerning elections, living together, etc. in order to prevent and mitigate electoral disputes, pre- and post-election violence;

• Promote inter-religious, inter-ethnic and inter-community dialogue at the base and sanction any case of extremism, however slight, in order to prevent and mitigate inter-community, inter-religious, inter-ethnic conflicts;
• Mobilize and involve all internal human resources for effective and less costly management of the consequences of conflicts and promote traditional and endogenous mechanisms for managing the consequences of conflicts;
• Improve governance in our young states to assert the authority of the state without violence;
• Respect individual and collective freedoms with a view to accepting differences and building strong nations;
• Identify areas of complementarity in terms of conflict prevention and the sustainability of peace in the region with a view to pooling efforts for greater efficiency;
• Identify the mechanisms, indicators and actors for the effective implementation of preventive diplomacy by the early warning system;
• Promote a new model of economic development, based on a dynamic private sector, independent of the ruling system but rather supported by innovation and by sustainable, decent employment for young people and women;
• Know how to count on your own strength. This requires an effort to mobilize internal resources by finding specific mechanisms for financing development projects and programs in crisis countries aimed at promoting the collective interest while relying on private actors and market instruments and in working for solidarity between African countries;
• Promote economic integration through intra-Africa trade and the creation of optimal monetary zones.

As the Africa Liberal Network (ALN), we call upon ECOWAS, the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations to refer to their statutory obligations and action appropriate measures applicable to President Alpha Condé and intervene to:

• Stop the massacre of Guinean compatriots;
• Respect the Constitution of the Republic by renouncing the illegal and conflict-generating third term project;
• Complete the local elections in accordance with the Electoral Code and the Supreme Court judgment delivered on December 26, 2019;
• Organize free, transparent and inclusive elections based on a Consensual Electoral Register, faithfully reflecting the reality of the electoral body;
• Open a dialogue in good faith with the Opposition to resolve differences and organize free, transparent and inclusive elections for both the legislative and presidential elections of 2020;
• Conduct serious investigations to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of the crimes during demonstrations against the third term.

14 February 2020

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Date: 4 February 2020
Release: Immediate

On 3 February 2020 Malawi’s constitutional court’s five panel judges unanimously annulled the 2019 General Elections results where President Mutharika had won with 38% thereby reverting to the 2014 to 2019 mandate until next elections are held. In interpreting the constitution, the court said that according to the law nobody won the 2019 elections because no candidate achieved 50+1.

The court have also reinstated Rt. Hon Saulos Kraus Chilima as the country’s Vice President replacing Rt. Hon Chimulirenji who had assumed office alongside President Peter Mitharika in May 2019.

The 500-page ruling cited widespread use of unauthorised correctional fluid, Tippex, to alter figures, the use of duplicate result sheets and unsigned results forms as cases that compromised the outcome of the elections. The court has also recommended to parliament to meet and amend the Elections Act paving way for a 50+1 win for the presidency.

The Africa Liberal Network congratulates the victory of the opposition political parties for championing the principles and actions of good governance and the rule of law. Further, the network commends the strict independence of the judiciary in protecting citizens’ constitutional rights.  We also commend the Malawi judges for having resisted attempts of bribery as the case was in progress.

The Africa Liberal Network believes that Africa’s long-term development can only be assured when political and civil rights are secured for all people. Power comes from the people and is expressed through regular, free and fair elections.

This is the second time in Africa that a constitutional court annuls election results, the first was Kenya in 2017.

Elections should be open, transparent, and express the legitimate choice of the citizens.

This is indeed a milestone. This is a valuable lesson for all governments to learn from.

Well done to opposition parties for upholding democratic principles!


Issued by the Africa Liberal Network

• by Rose Sakala – Liberal International Human Rights Committee Representative and Africa Liberal Network Vice President, Southern Africa

Date: 7 January 2020
Release: Immediate

The Africa Liberal Network (ALN) is repulsed by the gross violation of the Uganda Constitution by it’s incumbent Head of State, President Yoweri Museveni. Museveni assumed office in 1986 and has ruled Ugandans for the past 34 years in dictatorship. Throughout his regime term, the state’s Constitution and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance has been violated with no warning to the dictator by domestic state institutions aimed to protect democracy and the rule of law.

On Monday 6 January 2020, Museveni’s police arrested and detained Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine, together with other People Power leaders and supporters, on their way to attend a Consultative public meeting with citizens of Uganda, ahead of the General Election inclusive of the Presidential elections scheduled for next year 2021.

The Africa Liberal Network observes the detainment as unjustified, considering that Uganda’s 2015 Presidential Election Act, accommodates for presidential aspirants to carry out “nationwide consultation” in the 12 months ahead of their official nomination as candidates. Bobi Wine is a contender of Uganda’s 2021 Presidential Elections.

Not only does the Network observe Museveni’s violation of the Uganda Constitution and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, we also denounce the violation of people’s sovereignty and certainly the human rights and people’s choice of assembly and association.

We call on regional and international organisations like the AU and SADC, to committ to the promotion of human rights and democracy, by denouncing acts opposing democracy and the freedom of citizens. Together with our global federation, Liberal International, we will be escalating Museveni’s violations to the United Nations Human Rights Council, through our representation on the Liberal International Human Rights Committee, which reports directly to the UN. Further the network will seek support, on behalf of Uganda, with the European Parliament.

The network remains committed to promoting liberal governance and we stand for values and principles of good governance. We respect human rights, democracy, the rule of law and sustainable development for all persons on the African continent.

Media Enquiries

Rose Sakala
Liberal International Human Rights Committee Representative
Africa Liberal Network Vice President, Southern Africa

• par Gilbert Noël OUEDRAOGO – Président par intérim, Africa Liberal Network (ALN)

Date: 30 décembre 2019
Sortie: Immédiate

Dans le cadre de son adresse à la Nation du jeudi 19 décembre 2019, le Président Alpha Condé a confirmé publiquement son intention de changer la Constitution guinéenne par voie référendaire, malgré les vives protestations populaires exprimées depuis le 14 octobre dernier.

Ces protestations, organisées par le Front National pour la Défense de la Constitution (FNDC), une large coalition fédérant tous les Partis politiques de l’Opposition, les Organisations de la société civile et les syndicats, ont donné lieu à une répression sanglante du pouvoir faisant 25 morts, âgées de 14 à 32 ans, plusieurs dizaines de blessés par balles et de nombreuses arrestations arbitraires.

Le Réseau Libéral Africain déplore ces violations graves et massives des droits de l’homme et exhorte les autorités à diligenter, dans les meilleurs délais, des enquêtes pour identifier et déférer devant les tribunaux les auteurs et commanditaires de ces actes répréhensibles.

Extrêmement préoccupé par les violations de l’ordre constitutionnel et démocratique compromettant la paix et la stabilité en Guinée et dans la sous-région, le Réseau Libéral Africain en appelle au respect des principes de convergence constitutionnelle prévus par l’article premier du Protocole A/SP1/12/01 de la CEDEAO sur la Démocratie et la Bonne Gouvernance, à savoir :

• Toute accession au pouvoir doit se faire à travers des élections libres, honnêtes, et transparentes.
• Tout changement anti-constitutionnel est interdit de même que tout mode non démocratique d’accession ou de maintien au pouvoir.
• La participation populaire aux prises de décision, le strict respect des principes démocratiques, et la décentralisation du pouvoir à tous les niveaux de gouvernement.
• L’armée est apolitique et soumise à l’autorité politique régulièrement établie.
• L’État est laïc et demeure entièrement neutre.

Le Réseau Libéral Africain exhorte en outre la Guinée au respect des obligations découlant pour elle de la Charte africaine de la Démocratie, des Élections et de la Gouvernance, de la Charte Africaine des Droits de l’Homme et des Peuples et des instruments onusiens de protection des droits de l’homme qu’elle a ratifiés.Le Réseau Libéral Africain continuera à suivre attentivement la situation des droits et libertés fondamentaux en Guinée, au premier rang desquels le droit à la vie, conditionnant la jouissance de tous les autres droits, mais aussi et surtout, le respect des principes démocratiques et de l’État de droit.

Demandes des médias

Gilbert Noël OUEDRAOGO
Président par intérim, Réseau Libéral Africain
+226 7064 7117

Ousmane Ben Fana Traoré
Vice-président Afrique de l’Ouest, Réseau Libéral Africain
+223 7310 5050

• by Gilbert Noël OUEDRAOGO – Acting President, Africa Liberal Network (ALN)

Date: 30 December 2019
Release: Immediate

As part of his address to the Nation on Thursday, December 19, 2019, President Alpha Condé publicly confirmed his intention to change the Guinean Constitution by referendum, despite the strong popular protests expressed since October 14.

These protests, organized by the National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC), a broad coalition federating all the political Parties of the Opposition, the organizations of the civil society and the trade unions, gave place to a bloody repression of the capacity leaving 25 dead, aged 14 to 32, dozens of gunshot wounds and numerous arbitrary arrests.

The African Liberal Network deplores these serious and massive violations of human rights and urges the authorities to promptly conduct investigations to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators and sponsors of these wrongdoings.

Extremely concerned by the violations of the constitutional and democratic order compromising peace and stability in Guinea and in the sub-region, the African Liberal Network calls for respect for the principles of constitutional convergence provided for in article 1 of Protocol A / ECOWAS SP1 / 12/01 on Democracy and Good Governance, namely:

• Any accession to power must be done through free, fair, and transparent elections.
• Any anti-constitutional change is prohibited, as is any undemocratic mode of gaining or remaining in power.
• Popular participation in decision-making, strict respect for democratic principles, and the decentralization of power to all levels of government.
• The army is apolitical and subject to regularly established political authority.
• The state is secular and remains entirely neutral.

The African Liberal Network also urges Guinea to respect the obligations arising for it from the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UN protection instruments human rights it has ratified.

The African Liberal Network will continue to closely monitor the situation of fundamental rights and freedoms in Guinea, foremost among which is the right to life, conditioning the enjoyment of all other rights, but also and above all, respect for democratic principles and ‘Rule of law.

Media Enquiries

Gilbert Noël OUEDRAOGO
Acting President, Africa Liberal Network
+226 7064 7117

Ousmane Ben Fana Traore
West Africa Vice President, Africa Liberal Network
+223 7310 5050

Dear liberal colleagues and friends,

This note serves to update you of our Deputy President, Gilbert Noël Ouédraogo’s appointment as Acting President of the network, while the President, Stevens Mokgalapa is on special leave.

Until further notice, all communication regarding the network and all preparations for the upcoming 2020 General Assembly, may be communicated to the following persons:

Acting President: Gilbert Noël Ouédraogo
Treasurer: Clement Stambuli
Coordinator : Nangamso Kwinana

The Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), a member of the African Liberal Network (ALN) and subsequently Liberal International, is thrilled by the Republic of Botswana High Court judgement in which today, a bench of three judges repealed Sections 164 (a) (c), 165 of the Penal Code. The High Court found the repealed sections, which were prohibiting intercourse and ultimately love and affection amongst persons of the LGBTiQA++ community, to be contrary to the constitution of the land, and as such being discriminatory.
This High Court judgement is not only a historical and landmark ruling to Botswana, but a guidance and advisory to the continent and the whole world, especially those countries which continue to criminalise the freedoms of LGBTiQA++ persons. This judgment should also be a reminder that work places, employers, schools, families, social hubs and public places should respect human rights.
Whatever justification was used to degrade the dignity and humanity of fellow citizens, was in itself an illogical thought process.
In response to the judgement, BMD National Spokesperson & Head of Strategic Partnerships, Rasina Winfred Rasina had this to say:
“We at the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), together with our sister parties at the African Liberal Network and global Liberal International family, shall continue to speak against the criminalisation of those liberal values that we believe are essential to human harmony. We shall continue to speak against discriminatory laws.
Here in Botswana, we thank and congratulate LEGABIBO, BONELA, Human Rights lawyers, donors and activists who worked tirelessly to ensure that the outcome of the matter is resounding, liberal and humane”.

Honorable Irene Nyakerario Mayaka
A mother, a politician, and a nominated member of Nyamira County Assembly delegated by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), with specific roles in providing oversight and legislation at the County Assembly on behalf of the citizens of Nyamira County. I am an Accountant and Public Secretary by Profession, with a Bachelor of Commerce (finance), CPA (K) – certified public accountant and CPS (K) – certified public secretary. Previously a Banker with 11years experience in client experience, service quality and portfolio management.
I form part of the membership and recruitment committee of ODM and am a founder member of the lobby group, Daughters of Raila (in charge of resource mobilization), instrumental in the 2017 presidential campaign. I am currently focusing on women in political leadership preparations, as the Daughters of Raila intend to assist our members whom are contesting for political leadership in the August 2022 General Election.
My journey to being sworn in as a nominated member of County Assembly has been one with hurdles and lessons. ODM and all other political parties forward a list of nominees to the Election Body for Kenya (IEBC), thereafter all party nominees are communicated by IEBC in the official gazette.
My name featured in the ODM nomination list published in our local Daily Newspapers on 21 July 2017 under the gender top-up list for ODM. When the official IEBC gazette was published on 28 August 2017, my name was excluded from the list of nominees and a new name, which was not part of the initial list, was inserted in its place. Investigations conducted by ODM and the IEBC revealed that the new name was inserted there fraudulently. There were also no supporting documents which accompanied the new name inserted. The investigation also revealed that fraudulent court order papers, were seemingly included, in support of the new name insertion.
To correct this anomaly, IEBC released a revised official gazette notice on 8 September 2017, deleting the name Damaris Muoni and rightfully included my name. On the day I was meant to be sworn in to the County Assembly, a court order barring me from being sworn in was presented. The case was heard by the Magistrate Court of Nyamira County on the 28 February 2018, and thereafter immediately dismissed, with a court order advising that I be sworn in.
An Appeal to the High court of Nyamira was initiated and again the matter was dismissed on the 19 July 2018.  The High Court ruling was responded to with an appeal to the Court of Appeal, which also dismissed the matter on 14 February 2019 for lack of jurisdiction.
Through a different petitioner, a new attempt was initiated, this time questioning the IEBC official gazette, this too was discovered to be fraudulent and declared “fake”. Now that the Election Petition timeline has ceased, IEBC communicated a letter to the Orange Democratic Movement, copying in the Speaker of Nyamira County Assembly to swear me in as per the gazette notice dated 8 September 2017 as the Commission confirmed that the gazette was indeed in order and valid.
I look forward to being officially sworn into office on Tuesday 23 April 2019, so that I can officially assume office to serve the citizens of my County. I am also pursuing an elective position in the 2022 General Election of Kenya.
I am also participating as a contestant in the Ms President Academy (a program that seeks to encourage more women to take on political Leadership in the Kenya) that features every Wednesday on one of Kenya’s local channels KTN HOME from 20:00 – 21:00. As a contestant, I was one of 1 000 applicants and am delighted for all the support that has delivered me to the top 18 remaining contestants.
My political party ODM, is a member of the Africa Liberal Network, the largest political network of liberal political parties, which is also a regional organization affiliated with Liberal International. Amongst 100 applications received by the network’s Women Leadership Programme (WLP), I am one of the 14 participants who have been selected from various applicants from across Africa. The programme is managed and monitored by the Africa Liberal Network, the Liberal Democrats UK, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Democracy, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and Liberal International – together with other Africa continental and global organisations and counterparts.
As part of my community work, I focus on mentoring young men and women with teenage pregnancy prevention, financial literacy, responsible living and etiquette. I aim to create a centre of excellency in my county to work with citizens and civil society organisations in ensuring a conducing environment for programmes of development.
My note of self motivation and inspiration is that the glass is always half full, never half empty. I’m a leader who believes in being part of the core-team that is driving and championing change. I am capable and ready to serve.
 
#ALNwomen