Statement of the Africa Liberal Network
Rosemary Machua, ALN Vice President East Africa
1 August 2016
Africa’s largest political affiliation, the Africa Liberal Network, strongly denounces the threat issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Tanzania to arrest the Civic United Front leader, Seif Sharif Hamad. Hamad represents the main opposition party in Zanzibar and the third largest party in Tanzania Mainland.
The threat by the IGP is allegedly for the so-called crime of spreading hatred against the Zanzibar government. The ALN finds this to be an outright anti-democratic accusation; as liberal democrats, we hold to the firm conviction that any individual or group has the inalienable right to be critical of their government. It is the government and state which must account to the people, and free thought and speech, with tolerance, must be permitted on all accounts especially where the state fails to uphold human rights.
Therefore, we urge the Tanzanian and Zanzibari authorities to stop harassing opposition leaders and civil society organisations and uphold the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. This charter of the African Union (AU) enshrines human rights associated with political life and participation, such as the right to freedom of movement, assembly, and speech. To arrest Hamad would be to abandon some of the most vital human rights.
The ALN furthermore supports the Civic United Front’s call for inclusive dialogue on the Zanzibar political situation. Following international observation missions, including that of the ALN, during the October 2015 Zanzibar Elections, it was found that the electoral process was satisfactory and broadly free and fair. In spite of this, the ruling government annulled the results and called for fresh elections in March 2016, which CUF boycotted.
The future of Zanzibar cannot be pursued without civic and political consultation. Regardless of affiliation, the popularity of the Civic United Front in Zanzibar cannot be ignored, and means to silence opposition will not be tolerated.
Media Enquiries:
Luke Akal (Africa Liberal Network Coordinator)
+27 81 4813754
Ismail Jussa (Civic United Front International Officer)
+255 777 414100

Former Somali MP commits terrorist act, ALN calls for democratic norms and processes in MP-eligibility
Statement of the Africa Liberal Network
Rosemary Machua, ALN Vice President East Africa
28 July 2016
The Africa Liberal Network, the largest political affiliation on the continent, condemns the suicide bomb attacks reportdly by former Somali MP Salah Nuh Ismail and other members of al-Shabab.
Ismail, also known as Salah Badbado, is said to have detonated the bomb near the international airport outside the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Earlier this week, another terrorist attack took place at the gates of an African Union (AU) peacekeeping base, in which cars loaded with explosive materials were detonated. The attacks led to the death of thirteen people and five are critically injured.
Both attacks have been accounted for by the militant Islamic group, al-Shabab, which aims to take over the country as a cruel, terrorist regime and undermine the internationally-backed Federal Government of Somalia.
The ALN and its member party in Somalia, CAHDI Party, strongly denounce this act of terror. We call on the Somali government to take stronger steps to ensure the credibility of Members of Parliament, as it is unacceptable for elected public representatives to turn on the people they are mandated to represent. For the stability, peace and security in Somali society, it is essential that potential public representatives are subject to extensive background checks and required to be transparent in their political platform or agenda.
In a country that has suffered so much pain and loss due to war and exploitation, the Somali government, parliament and judiciary must take proactive measures for the safety of its people. This is especially critical ahead of elections in Somalia set for later this year.
 
 
Media enquiries:
Luke Akal
Africa Liberal Network Coordinator
+27 (0)81 481 3754

Statement of the Africa Liberal Network on the pre-election violence in Kenya
Rosemary Machua, ALN Vice President East Africa
11 July 2016
The Africa Liberal Network is appalled by reports confirming Kenyan police brutality against members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the broader Coalitions for Reform and Democracy (CORD), including violence targeted at women and unarmed citizens.
 
CORD, including ODM, actively stands for the reform of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The IEBC, formed in 2011 and tasked with managing the country’s 2013 elections, is reportedly responsible for failing to carry out its mandate of free and fair elections. The body is said to be liable for deliberately causing the malfunctioning of electronic voter identification mechanisms which jeopardized the democratic process during elections. Moreover, the IEBC is accused of gross embezzlement of funds and, since 2013, ceased to engage with all Kenyan political parties and the public in determining its strategic plans.
 
In light of this, thousands of Kenyans have protested against the IEBC and the government of President Uhuru Kenyatta for failing to address these critical issues.
 
Alarmingly, these peaceful protests have been met with police brutality in Nairobi and other Kenyan centres. Six unarmed demonstrators were killed by police and tens of others are hospitalized in various hospitals in Kenya after being wounded with bullets. In one particular incident, unarmed women were attacked whilst hiding in a public toilet in fear of the police. On a separate occasion, a 65-year old unarmed female was brutally attacked by police.
 
The ALN condemns in the strongest possible terms all attempts to use women as tools of political conflict and calls on the Kenyan government to take extremely seriously the need for the protection of all citizens and their right to peaceful protest and demonstration. The Network also calls on President Kenyatta to take all necessary disciplinary and preventative steps to ensure the complete removal of police brutality as a possible threat to Kenyans.
 
As the largest political network on the African continent, the ALN calls on all political parties in Kenya to actively work towards a peaceful, democratic solution to the irregularities and issues facing the IEBC. It is our sincere hope that all Kenyan stakeholders will form part of the dialogue with a view to serving the best interests of the country’s citizens.
 
Media enquiries:
Luke Akal
Africa Liberal Network Coordinator
+27 (0)81 481 3754
 

Statement of the Africa Liberal Network on the recent warrant of arrest for Moise Katumbi and his arrival in South Africa for medical treatment
Olivier Kamitatu Africa Liberal Network (ALN) President
21 May 2016
Release: Immediate
The ALN notes with extreme concern the warrant of arrest for Moise Katumbi, opposition leader and former Governor of Katanga Province.
Mr Katumbi has recently arrived in South Africa for medical treatment following the firing of teargas directed at him and his supporters.
The charges against Mr Katumbi follow extensive intimidation and arrest of numerous opposition supporters. With elections scheduled for November this year and President Joseph Kabila showing clear indications that he seeks an unconstitutional extension of his term, there is an urgent need for inclusive dialogue amongst all stakeholders.
The lack of both state resources and empowerment provided to Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante (CENI) further inhibits the democratic right of Congolese citizens to participate in free and fair elections.

 
 
ALN President and former Minister of Planning Olivier Kamitatu states that: “President Kabila has deliberately sabotaged the electoral process. The ruling policy is one of chaos and fear”.
 

 
Further to the ALN’s resolution (adopted at the 12th General Assembly in January 2016) on the political crisis in the DRC, the Network calls for the end to violence and the start of peaceful, legitimate dialogue within the context of the rule of law. All parties, both opposition and majority, must be protected and guaranteed their rights in political activities and assembly.
The ALN furthermore calls for the protection of Mr Katumbi and a fair trial should there be credible evidence. If not, the government of President Kabila is to cease its intimidation and arbitrary arrest of the opposition.
The Network maintains the position that functioning democracies are bound by the rule of law and constitutionalism, including adherence to presidential term limits.
 
 
 
*With over 40 members, the ALN is the largest political network on the continent and the largest grouping of liberal parties outside Europe. The ALN is an associated organisation of Liberal International, the political family to which Liberal Democratic parties belong. The Network aims to promote Liberal Democratic principles across the African continent by providing a platform for like-minded liberals in Africa to share information, experience, skills, and ideas, and by capacitating our member parties with the skills they need to win elections and run governments based on Liberal values.

Joint Statement of the Africa Liberal Network and Liberal International on the recent African Union High-Level Delegation to Burundi

Olivier Kamitatu
Africa Liberal Network (ALN) President
 
27 February 2016
Release: immediate
The Africa Liberal Network (ALN), the largest political network on the continent consisting of 47 political parties, and Liberal International, the world federation of over 100 liberal and progressive democratic political parties and affiliates, remains deeply concerned over the ongoing crises in Burundi and the urgent need for action by the African and global community.
 
The Africa Liberal Network and broader Liberal International family call on the visiting African heads of state to Burundi to rise to the opportunity and demonstrate to African citizens that they can expect their leaders to deliver political dialogue, rule of law, peace and prosperity. This should be proactively sought and delivered, instead of continuous impunity, authoritarianism, bloodshed and destruction.
 
The African leaders can save thousands of lives of likely innocent victims in Burundi and thereby create genuine hope for millions across the continent. The world community stands ready to support such agenda for a positive change from Africa.
 
We look forward to the release of the communique by the chair of the delegation, South African President Jacob Zuma, tomorrow, which will outline the decisions of the AU delegation to Burundi. It is our expectation that the delegation will produce tangible results aimed at the reduction of violence, increase in constructive and peaceful dialogue, and promotion of stability and democracy for the sake of Burundi and the broader region.
 
A single lost life in the aftermath of the recent High-Level AU mission will be one failure too many for the AU and the continent.
 
Media enquiries:
Luke Akal
Africa Liberal Network Coordinator
+27 (0)81 481 3754
 

Africa Liberal Network statement by
Olivier Kamitatu 
Africa Liberal Network President
ALN condemns alleged AU proposal to withdraw from the ICC
 
26 February 2016
 
The Africa Liberal Network (ALN), the largest political network on the continent consisting of 47 political parties, is deeply concerned over the outcome of the recent African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa regarding the matters of alleged withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the ongoing crisis in Burundi.
We strongly denounce the alleged proposal from the AU to encourage its member states to withdraw from the ICC simply to protect the selfish political interests of a few. The ICC is an established institution to which one-third of African states are members, having ratified the Rome Statute in their respective legislatures. It would, therefore, be unconstitutional in many instances to withdraw from the ICC.
The ALN strongly maintains its position adopted at the Network’s 10^th General Assembly in Zanzibar: we encourage full cooperation with the ICC and encourage the fight against impunity and all abuses of human rights. The ICC remains a credible institution through which these goals can be achieved.
The ALN urges the AU to remain firm and committed to the fight against impunity so that the history of oppression and violence may be stamped out from the continent and serve as a warning to those who seek to perpetrate violence against citizens. The ALN and its members believe that justice must be served against those who have committed crimes against humanity, displaced individuals and families, destroyed communities and villages, and led mass murders and genocides.
It is an injustice against the people of Africa for any state to withdraw from the ICC.
The ALN moreover calls for urgent intervention in the ongoing crisis in Burundi. We hold that the important work of the ICC is necessary in order to safeguard the lives of many thousands of Burundians. The AU and the ICC should be working in cooperation to ensure protection and justice for all Africans, which includes the possibility of AU troops on the ground in Burundi.
 
This is a time where the people of Burundi need the support of their fellow Africans. The AU is the vehicle through which we ought to support the innocent and bring an end to the violence through all diplomatic means. The loss of life in Burundi is an atrocity for the entire continent and cannot be accepted. The ALN’s position on the crisis in Burundi is found in a resolution passed at our recent General Assembly in Johannesburg, South Africa.
 
The ALN calls for the AU to lead the struggle against impunity by encouraging members to commit to and cooperate with the ICC.
 
Media enquiries:
Luke Akal
Africa Liberal Network Coordinator
+27 (0)81 481 3754

[Texte en français ci-dessous]
Africa Liberal Network statement
ALN condemns allegations against it in Mediapart article
The Africa Liberal Network (ALN), the largest political network on the continent consisting of 47 political parties, condemns the article published in Mediapart here.
The allegation that the ALN aims to “libérer l’Afrique d’une catégorie de presidents” (or “free Africa of a class of Presidents”) with the help of foreign powers is baseless, untrue and misleading. The ALN has never pursued such aims.
Additionally, the suggestion that Mr Rodrigue Cyr Mayanda was sent by MCDDI (Mouvement Congolais Pour la Democratie et le Developpement Integral) in connection with achieving the above accusation in South Africa is also groundless. Mr Cyr Mayanda was, in fact, in South Africa between 27-31 January 2016 to attend the annual ALN General Assembly meeting.
Finally, the ALN has no connection or agreement with any so-called “mercenary training centre” in Middelburg, South Africa, whatsoever.
The ALN calls on Mediapart to withdraw the article and request unconditional apology from the author. Responsible journalism with fact-checking and right of reply should be upheld.
As the largest grouping of liberal parties outside Europe, the ALN exists to strengthen and capacitate our member parties who are ideologically aligned on liberal values. It is these values which we believe can lead us to a prosperous and integrated Africa of flourishing democracies that are at peace with one another.
All members of the network are bound by a policy stating that they exist to ensure the freedom and dignity of all people through establishing political and civil rights, ensuring basic freedoms and the rule of law, supporting democratic governance based on free and fair elections with peaceful transition, ensuring religious, gender and minority rights, fighting corruption and establishing free market economies.
Media enquiries:
Luke Akal
Africa Liberal Network Coordinator
+27 (0)81 481 3754 | luke.akal@africaliberalnetwork.org
 
Déclaration du Réseau libéral africain (RLA)
Le RLA condamne les allégations émises à son encontre dans un article de Mediapart
Le Réseau libéral africain (RLA), le plus grand réseau politique du continent, comprenant 47 partis politiques, condamne l’article publié dans Mediapart ici.
L’article allègue que le RLA a pour but de « libérer l’Afrique d’une catégorie de présidents » avec l’aide de puissances étrangères, or ces allégations sont infondées, fausses et fallacieuses. Le RLA n’a jamais poursuivi de ce genre d’objectifs.
En outre, l’auteur suggère, mais encore sans fondement, que M. Rodrigue Cyr Mayanda a été envoyé par le MCDDI (Mouvement congolais pour la démocratie et le développement intégral) afin de mener à bien les activités qui font l’objet des accusations mentionnées ci-dessus, en Afrique du Sud. M. Cyr Mayanda séjournait, en fait, en Afrique du Sud du 27 au 31 janvier 2016 pour participer aux réunions de l’Assemblée générale annuelle du RLA.
Pour conclure, le RLA n’a absolument aucun lien ni accord avec un soi-disant « centre de mercenariat » quelconque, basé à Middelburg en Afrique du Sud.
Le RLA demande à Mediapart de retirer cet article et demande des excuses inconditionnelles de la part de l’auteur. Il faudrait veiller à faire respecter un journalisme responsable qui s’accompagne d’une vérification des faits et d’un droit de réponse.
Au titre de plus grand regroupement de partis libéraux hors d’Europe, le RLA voue son existence au renforcement des capacités de ses partis membres qui adhèrent, sur le plan idéologique, aux valeurs libérales. Ce sont ces valeurs qui, nous le pensons, pourront nous mener à une Afrique prospère et intégrée avec des démocraties florissantes, en paix les unes avec les autres.
Tous les membres de ce réseau sont tenus de se conformer à une politique prônant qu’ils existent pour garantir la liberté et la dignité de tous les peuples en instaurant les droits politiques et civils, en garantissant les libertés fondamentales et l’état de droit, en soutenant la gouvernance démocratique axée sur des élections libres et équitables assorties d’une transition paisible, en respectant la liberté de religion, l’égalité des sexes et les droits des minorités, en luttant contre la corruption, enfin en mettant en place des économies de libre-échange.
Requêtes des médias :
Luke Akal
Africa Liberal Network Coordinator
+27 (0)81 481 3754 | luke.akal@africaliberalnetwork.org

ALN 12^th Annual General Assembly
Johannesburg, South Africa
30 January 2016
Summary on Winning Elections: Strategies, Policies, and Solutions for Success
The ALN member parties, gathered on this day 30 January 2016, committing themselves to following best practices in Winning Elections: Strategies, Policies, and Solutions for Success.
This document highlights the culmination of expert and delegate involvement in the main subthemes of winning elections. It is a broad framework in which the ALN member parties agree on the key indicators, requirements, and principles for effective electoral performance.

1. Strategic Campaign Management

The key elements of an Election Campaign are:

• Clear Objectives
• Vote Targets
• Campaign Team
• Market Research
• Core Offer and Message
• Campaign Design
• Money (Fundraising)
• Execution, Monitoring and Evaluation (Via “War Room”) Clear Objectives
• Vote Targets
• Campaign Team
• Market Research
• Core Offer and Message
• Campaign Design
• Money (Fundraising)
• Execution, Monitoring and Evaluation (Via “War Room”)

 
In order to prepare a clear campaign message, one has to be very clear on your strategic objectives and have a very good understanding of your target market.
Market research is key in this respect, both qualitative and quantitative. Your market research process should start with a series of representative focus groups to refine the questions and directions of a broader quantitative survey. The full process will generate a defined market that you should be targeting and what the critical needs of that target market are.
On the basis of that initial research, you should develop a core election message or value proposition that meets the following requirements:

1. Philosophically aligned: Consistent with the core beliefs of the party or candidate;
2. An actual promise: Something concrete a political party will do;
3. Credible: The market must believe we will keep our promises and can do what we offer;
4. Differentiated: The message must be something different from what other parties offer;
5. Aligned with the critical needs of the market: The message must be something voters really want – and intersect with their values.

Once the election promise is decided upon, it is ideal to test it and various executions using market research to hone it even further and identify the vehicles and platforms to best deliver it in volume over the duration of the campaign. e a clear campaign message, one has to be very clear on your strategic objectives and have a very good understanding of your target market.
 

2. Youth Mobilisation

Youth seek to make a social impact through any political activity. A contribution to the community as at the centre of youth involvement in politics and the implementation of liberal ideology.
Social media is a critical tool in the interaction with and mobilisation of the youth. Connection with the youth via social media requires critical engagement as opposed to advertising. It is noted that this engagement requires appealing to the values of the target market and providing messaging with which the market resonates.
Key roles should be assigned to youth in political activities and campaigning. This involves the utilisation of a full database of activists and volunteers, in which each individual fulfils a role specific and unique to their capabilities.
The number one barrier or challenge or young people to get involve in political parties is the cost. Often events with elected officials or leaders are restricted to donors, often pricing out young people. Too often political parties rely on young people as volunteers, with little in return. The number one barrier or challenge or young people to get involve in political parties is the cost.
Often events with elected officials or leaders are restricted to donors, often pricing out young people.
Free open access to elected official and party events is the first step in breaking down the barriers of long term engagement of young people in a political party.
 

3. Party Manifestos – Best Practice in Communicating Policies

A manifesto is a summary of a party’s policy platform. It encapsulates the party’s principles and priorities, and sets out those policies and plans that the party would implement in government. Manifestos are important because they show voters what a party thinks & cares about most:

• Principles = what we believe in
• Priorities = what we care about
• Positions = where we stand on key issues
• Plans = what we will do in government

A manifesto is usually clustered into different policy areas or themes. The policy priorities are crystallised into an offer – based on a series of pledges – which usually forms the basis of the campaign slogan.
You need a communications strategy to convey the offer “on message, in volume, over time” through various media.
Party manifestos should be communicated through the following channels:
Earned (Free) Media:

• Reports on campaign events/ speeches etc.

Paid Media (Direct Marketing):

• Posters
• Pamphlets
• Billboards
• TV Adverts
• Radio Adverts

Online/Social Media:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• You Tube
• Mobi
• Website
  • Online Engagement Forums

Focus groups are a good way to test your messages with voters. They can help to give you valuable insight into which messages and methods of delivery are likely to be effective.
Polling – a sampling or collection of opinions on a subject, taken from either a selected or a random group of persons for the purpose of analysis – is another useful tool.
 

4. Voter Outreach –Success in Volunteerism, Activism and Canvassing

A ground game program includes how a party engages directly with voters through personal conversations in the community and online/on mobile. A ground game generally has these elements:

• Direct Voter Contact: An infrastructure that has conversations about the party, issues, candidates, and election directly with voters whether in person, on the phone, or online.
• Organizing: An approach to engage strong supporters and bring them into action doing direct voter contact and further engaging other supporters.
• Data Tracking: A system to track which both supporters and voters. This system captures information from all actions taken by supporters and all interactions with voters.

 
It is important to provide training for those having ground game conversations with voters so they can have maximally effective conversations.  The most effective conversations are when supporters connect with voters on shared values.  The supporter connects the values they share with the voters to the values of the party.
An effective rubric for supporter conversations with voters is:
a. Acknowledge & Relate: Ask the voter what is concerning them in their community. Listen, and acknowledge your concerns.  You might share a similar concern you have, or a personal experience that illustrates how you’ve experienced similar concerns.
b. Connect on Values: The supporter should share what values of the party cause her to support the party’s position.  The supporter should highlight values that she expects the voter to share.  This should relate to one of the core messages
c. Give Policy Examples: The supporter should then choose an example of how the party’s policies and actions manifest its values.  This can be a policy accomplishment or a policy plan for the future.
d. Draw Contrast: Finally, the supporter should define the choice the voter has to make between two parties or two different actions by drawing contrast with the alternative.  This can be the alternative party or what will happen if no action is taken.
The party’s main message should be a reflection of the party’s values and policy priorities.  Polling can help determine how to best talk about an issue with voters, and help understand how to connect the party’s values with the voters’ priorities.  However, it should not be used for trying to determine how the party stands on issues.  The party’s values are drawn from the shared beliefs of its members on what policy approach is best for the country.
When translating the party’s values and policy priorities into message for the ground game it is important to:

• Relate policy priorities back to values that resonate with voters.
• Choose easy-to-remember language that is concise but evocative
• Focus on one key message that is reiterated repeatedly, and which can hold the top policy priorities of the party

Once your message is chosen, it is important to consistently echo the message in multiple media, whether candidate speeches, press events with party leaders, online content, flyers/ mail, or conversations with voters at the doors and on the phones.
Personal conversations with voters is the most effective way to move a voter to support and to action – but it can also be one of the most challenging.  However, while ads or press attention and even flyers or mail can help to inform the voter, nothing is more effective at ensuring they will support and will vote than a personal conversation.  Building an infrastructure with enough staff to have enough conversations with voters to win, is incredibly expensive. This is why it is so important to engage and build a volunteer organization.
Building a volunteer organization takes investment in staff to identify, train, and develop party volunteers who can take on increasing responsibility in their local communities.  Elements of a powerful volunteer organization include:

1. Developing volunteers to become leaders of other volunteers
2. Consistent communication about strategy and tactics to create consistency in program
3. Diligent tracking of data related to volunteer actions (as well as voter interactions)
4. Emphasis on building personal relationships between staff organizers and volunteer supporters, as well as among volunteers working together

RESOLUTION 1
Proposed by all DRC representatives of the ALN
The Africa Liberal Network is extremely concerned by the political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and particularly by the delay observed on the part of the government in the process of holding the Parliamentary and presidential elections, which are scheduled to be held, in terms of the constitution, in November 2016.
The concerns of the Africa Liberal Network are based on:

1. The failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to publish the electoral timetable in accordance with the constitutional deadlines.
2. The manifest desire of the government to override CENI, the sole and single institution competent in electoral affairs, by planning to establish a Dialogue between the political actors and civil society to consider and make decisions concerning the problems inherent in the electoral process, in place of the competent tripartite structure, i.e.: CENI – Opposition – Majority. This represents a hasty attempt to create, in an artificial and biased way, the conditions to ensure that the elections are not held within the constitutional deadlines, also commonly known as a stratégie de glissement (playing for time) in DRC.
3. The failure of the coalition in power to implement international commitments, including notably the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement and United Nations Security Council resolutions 2098 and 2211, which advocate, in particular, seeking a political consensus by means of an inclusive dialogue between the parties concerned with respect to electoral issues.

 
In agreement with the international organisations (EU, United Nations, etc.) which deplore and denounce the stratagems of the government which is risking leading the Democratic Republic of the Congo into a situation of chaos which the Congolese population does not need, the Africa Liberal Network adds its voice to these organisations to:

1. Condemn the strategy of the government to split, artificially and systematically, those political parties opposed to its attempts to play for time. This confusion in the political space is not helping to strengthen Congolese democracy, still in its early stages.
2. Censure the fact that access to public media is denied to the political parties that support the respecting of the constitution and any social organisation opposed to the Dialogue which the government wants to hold.
3. Condemn the radicalisation of the government, which wishes at all costs to organise a Dialogue which does not adhere to the spirit and the letter of the Framework Agreement and Security Council resolutions mentioned above.

 
Consequent upon the above, the Africa Liberal Network:

1. Wishes to see the immediate implementation of the provisions contained in the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement and in Security Council resolutions 2098 and 2211 on the electoral process in the DRC.
2. Offers its total and unwavering support to the political parties and associations which support and defend respect for the Constitution and the organisation of the elections within the constitutional deadlines.
3. Appeals to President Joseph Kabila to respect his constitutional oath and to facilitate the peaceful transfer of power at the end of his term of office.
4. Encourages and congratulates Mr. Olivier Kamitatu, in his capacity as President of the Africa Liberal Network, for the excellent work done to defend and promote the values shared by liberals in Africa in general and, in particular, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he is in the thick of a republican and exemplary struggle to ensure the respect of the constitution and a peaceful democratic transition following the outcome of credible elections.

 
RESOLUTION 2
Proposed by Stevens Mokgalapa MP, Vice President Southern Africa

• Given that the Multiparty Democratic Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland was repealed by King Sobhuza II, through King’s Proclamation No.12 of 1973, as he intended to avoid civil violence that might have engulfed Swaziland, which had already engulfed most African Countries ;

• Given that from the 12th April 1973, Swaziland was ruled by the 1973 Royal Decree until 6th July, 2005 and that on 6th July, 2005, King Mswati III assented to and signed a Multiparty Democratic Constitution ;

• Given that the Government of Swaziland has been misinterpreting the constitution of Kingdom of Swaziland Act No.1 of 2005, in particular Section 79, so as to violate the constitutionally enshrined Bill of Rights, and to prohibit multiparty elections, multiparty democratic parliament, and formation of government by political parties ;

• Given that Section 84, 95(2) of the Constitution allows group representation or marginalised group representation in Parliament, the Constitution does not prevent political parties or political groups, and Section 25 of the Constitution of Swaziland allows the existence of political parties in Swaziland ;

• Given that the Government of Swaziland is in dispute of large portions of land, that was ceased during colonial rule, and fundamental human rights of millions of Swazi People were grossly violated, in particular, their rights to self-determination, in violation of Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples ;

The Africa Liberal Network calls upon Government of Kingdom of Swaziland to :

1. Uphold and fully implement the Constitution of Swaziland Act No.1 of 2005.

2. Enact a statute that enables the registration, operation and funding of political parties in Swaziland, in terms of Section 25(4).
3. Enact an electoral law that allows multiparty democracy in Swaziland.
4. Enact an Establishment of Parliament Act to enable the operation of multiparty Parliament.
5. Stop all criminal prosecutions against members of the Judiciary, Parliament, and Executive branches of Government, and unconditionally withdraw all criminal charges against all people arrested in Swaziland for advancing democracy and the rule of law.
6. Protect and promote peace and security, create an environment that is conducive for free political activities, free enterprise, open market economy and trade liberalization.
7. Implement all Regional and International Conventions, Treaties, Protocols, Declarations, Memorandums, Agreements, Policies to which Swaziland is a signatory.
8. Positively engage with South African and Mozambican Government with a view to engage on the issue of restoration of land.

 
Resolution 3
Proposed by Stevens Mokgalapa, Democratic Alliance, South Africa

• Recognizing the important function that the ICC plays in the global community by ensuring justice and protection of human rights;

• Acknowledging the recent descend by African leaders on the alleged selective prosecution of African leaders and the threat by the African Union to encourage the member states’ withdrawal from the ICC;

 
Liberal parties across the African continent are committed to working together with the ICC to uphold justice and peace, and to ensure that human rights abuses do not go unpunished, across the African continent and worldwide. The Africa Liberal Network:
 

1. Condemns the continued human rights atrocities and political violence that is still prevalent in many African countries
2. Notes with concern the South African government’s invitation of Omar Al Bashir, the President of Sudan, to the AU summit in June 2015, and the subsequent disregard of a court order to arrest him, issued by the Gauteng North High Court
3. Calls on all member parties to reemphasize their support for the ICC, and calls on the AU to reconsider its encouragement for its members to withdraw from the ICC.

 
Resolution 4
Proposed by Médard Mulangala Lwakabwanga, UMR, Democratic Republic of Congo
– Considering  that the current crisis in Burundi originates in the differences in interpretation and strict respect by the Burundian political protagonists of the provisions on the number of mandates of the President of the Republic contained in the ARUSHA Peace and Reconciliation Agreement signed on  29 August 2000 and the Constitution of Burundi of 18 March 2005;
 
– Realising  that this legal framework in place is the fruit of intense negotiations which resulted in an historic political compromise which had enabled Burundi to take a significant step towards the consolidation of peace and democratisation and that these differences in interpretation and failure to respect its contents is dangerously compromising the achievements of the Arusha Agreement;
 
– Noting  with regret that all the initiatives undertaken by ECA, AU, EU, USA and UN calling on the political protagonists to sit down together to organise free, transparent and inclusive elections have not been heeded and have come up against the failure to respond by the Presidential Party CNDD-FDD and the person of the President of the Republic.
 
– Deploring  the fact that this categorical refusal to engage in a dialogue to find sustainable solutions to the political conflict relating to the 3^rd term of office of President NKURUNZIZA has been compounded by acts of violence characterised by selective killings, abductions and forced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of opponents, forced exile of the popular political leaders, sexual violence against the women and girls of the dissenting districts as an instrument of vengeance and humiliation used by certain elements of the police, the militias close to the coalition government, wanton destruction and closing down of the media, the closure of accounts and suspension of certain organisations of civil society which are challenging the 3^rd term of office;
 
– Recognising  that in 2015 the Independent National Electoral Commission organised elections under conditions carrying the seeds of conflict and that the process had been boycotted by the opposition by withdrawing its candidates and that the results of these elections were rejected by the Burundian opposition, a large section of Burundian civil society and the international community;
 
– Confirming  that the candidacy and election of President Nkurunziza did not comply with either the constitution or the Arusha agreements;
 
– Convinced  that this political crisis could inflame the whole central African subregion particularly through the migratory flow towards neighbouring countries and the escalation of rebel movements with grave consequences for security, stability and development in the Great Lakes Region;
 
– Greatly welcoming  the initiative of the East Africa Community to entrust the mediation of the Burundian conflict to the Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni;
 
The Africa Liberal Network proposes the following resolutions capable of putting an end to this political deadlock which has lasted far too long:

1. The Government must take all necessary steps to put an end to the violence and, by so doing, promote a climate of mutual trust between Burundians;
2. The mediator of the Burundian conflict, the Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, must do everything in his power to commit the political protagonists without reservation (civil and armed movements) to engage as soon as possible in a frank, sincere and inclusive dialogue to find sustainable solutions for the restoration of democracy, peace and harmonious development in Burundi. To this end, the mediator must surround himself with a team of neutral national and international experts who have a full understanding of the issues and interests of the national and international protagonists around the Burundian conflict so that they can facilitate the finding of compromises between protagonists which fulfil the genuine aspirations of the population.
3. The Party in power and its allies, the political opposition grouped within CNARED, the declared armed movements, and those being formed, Burundian civil society in all its elements must engage in a frank, sincere and inclusive dialogue to find sustainable solutions promoting the return of peace, democracy, and sustainable development as quickly as possible;
4. It is the responsibility of the African Union to send as soon as possible MAPROBU tasked with maintaining the peace and protection of civilians in Burundi;
5. It is the responsibility of the UN to exert all of its diplomatic, logistical and financial influence for the rapid deployment of MAPROBU,
6. It is the responsibility of the International Criminal Court and the other national and regional courts to set in motion the mechanisms of investigation and criminal prosecution against the alleged authors and perpetrators of crimes against humanity such as war crimes, extrajudicial executions, abductions and forced disappearances, torture and imprisonment,
7. It is the responsibility of national, regional and international civil society in general and the organisations for the defence of human rights in particular to assemble the proofs, names of the victims and of the political prisoners.