The President of the Africa Liberal Network (ALN), Hon. Olivier Kamitatu Etsu, deplores the brutal repression by the forces of order against the peaceful demonstration organised by the Guinean opposition on 27 February. This violence against the populations led to the destruction of property, two hundred injured and the death of eight civilians and a policeman. The President  conveys his condolences to the grieving families and remains extremely concerned by the reported continuation of the violence.
The ALN and its members unequivocally condemn the use of live rounds by the Guinean security forces, and calls for those responsible for injury and death to be brought to justice. Further, the ALN strongly condemns attacks on journalists, members of civil society and politicians.
The ALN support the decision of its members – Union des Forces Démocratiques de Guinée (UFDG), Union des Forces Républicaines (UFR), and Parti de l’Unité et du Libéralisme Social (PULS) – as well as other opposition parties, to withdraw from the discussions until their legitimate grievances are addressed properly, through a meaningful and inclusive dialogue of all stakeholders and facilitated by a respected and impartial broker.
The ALN believes that in the current conditions the legislative elections scheduled for 12th May 2013 will be neither free nor democratic, and may lead to further violence jeopardising the stability and unity of the country.
The ALN calls on President Condé to consider the legitimate views of the opposition and ensure that – two years following his own controversial election – Guinea finally has a parliament which reflects popular will.
The ALN calls on key technical and financial partners such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), United Nations (UN), La Francophonie, and the European Union (EU) to encourage the Guinean authorities to organise open and transparent elections in a peaceful environment.
The ALN will work with its member parties and with Liberal International to ensure that all support is given towards building consensus and implementing an electoral process which leads to democratic polls of which the results are accepted by all parties.
The ALN calls on the Guinean authorities to monitor the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and that any actors implicated in the attacks on peaceful are brought to justice and sanctioned with the full force of the law.
Cape Town, Monday 4 March 2013

“Bosco Ntaganda’s arrest is a major step forward for justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His transfer to The Hague is a strong signal that announces the end of impunity in the East of the country. It is a real hope of a different future for more than two million displaced persons, tens of thousands of women and girls who have been victims of sexual violence, and so many children out of schools. Those who are responsible for this bloody chaos must now take in consideration their accountability and reconsider their strategy, particularly the Congolese leaders and officers who are supporting militias in Eastern Congo.
“By cooperating with the United States of America, the Rwandan authorities have finally demonstrated their capacity to change. From being the problem, they must now be acknowledged by the Congolese Government as part of the solution to the crisis.
Regrettably, Bosco Ntaganda’s arrest does not mean an immediate end to violence in Eastern Congo. Since 2011, many armed groups have been operating from the border of South Sudan to the north of Katanga Province. With the exception of the M23 which Bosco led, all the militias are hostile to Rwanda and Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese. Most of them are driven by corrupt politicians and supported by high-ranking officers involved in the illegal exploitation of minerals. The profits generated from trading minerals are used to keep Eastern Congo under their influence and prolong the illicit enrichment of a small clique at the expense of Congolese citizens.
“Above all, without a well-trained and disciplined national army, DRC remains a sanctuary for armed groups, negative forces and terrorists. As a fragile State, DRC has no capacity to restore its authority over Eastern Congo. The Addis Ababa Peace Accord signed on the 24th February by eleven Heads of State under the auspicious of UN, AU, CIRGL and SADAC is the best framework for peace in DRC and the Great Lakes Region. It addresses not only the Congolese concerns (security sector reform; greater decentralization; improved governance; further democratization; protection of human rights; and moves to reform the public finances, and promote greater infrastructure development etc.) but also the regional aspects by asking the neighbours to put an end to their interference and cease their support to armed groups operating in DRC. The UN’s appointment of Mary Robinson as Special envoy for Great Lakes must be welcomed as she will have to report to New York the progress in the implementation of the Accord; while with the reinforcement of a UN brigade dedicated to eradicate the armed groups, the implementation of Addis Abeba Accord can be seriously envisaged. In that light, Bosco Ntaganda’s case will be a serious deterrent for those who are still engaged in promoting chaos and anarchy.
“In the Addis Ababa Accord, President Kabila is invited to launch a national reconciliation process that must lead to an all inclusive government. He has already accepted to organize a forum to reinforce “national cohesion.” If the opposition accepts to attend the dialogue, President Kabila will have the opportunity to seize this momentum in the view to forging a consensus on the governance of Congo.
“Domestically, President Kabila’s key objectives for the next two years include tackling corruption; mobilizing greater internal financial resources by the reform of the Tax and Revenue Administration; reforming the mining code in order to promote transparency in mineral resources trade; promoting doing business; implementing the decentralization process, and restoring the people confidence in the electoral process by organizing a census. At the same time, with the support of his partners, DRC needs to accelerate the construction of a national Army that will have the capacity to defend Congo’s territorial integrity.
“Finally, today, the UN and EU must support or promote a frank and respectful dialogue between Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC. The UN must encourage fruitful ways in which DRC and his neighbours share a same vision for prosperity and development in the Great Lakes Region. By implementing the Addis Ababa Accord, the leaders of the Region will promote a durable peace in Congo. The dismantling of M23 hardliners, the appointment of a UN special Envoy, the deployment of UN forces mandated to eradicate armed groups, and a inclusive dialogue in Congo must also be seen as good signals that contribute to the DRC stability.”

RESOLUTION OF THE AFRICA LIBERAL NETWORK GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON ECOWAS
1) Considering the condemnation of coups by the LiberalInternational and the Africa Liberal Network as a means of achieving statepower;
2) Considering the events against the constitutional orderin the Republics of Mali and Guinea-Bissau in 2012;
3) Considering the prompt reaction of ECOWAS and the AfricanUnion to address these anti-constitutional acts;
4) Considering the ideological movements which aredestabilising Mali, and their promotion of religious intolerance and whichseriously undermines Human Rights;
5) Considering the threats that these movements pose to thestability of democracy in Africa and the world;
The Africa Liberal Network General Assembly meeting in Abidjanon 18 October 2012:
1) Commends the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) and its Chairman, HE Alassane Ouattara, for its prompt response tothese anti-constitutional changes;
2) Commends and encourages ECOWAS mediators in Mali andGuinea-Bissau for their tireless efforts to work towards a peaceful resolutionof these crises;
3) Reaffirms its commitment to respect the territorialintegrity of African states in accordance with the decisions of the ECOWASConference of Heads of States of and the African Union Charter;
4) Strongly condemns the human rights violations in thesecountries, particularly in the northern region of Mali as a result of religiousintolerance and political intransigence among certain destabilising movements;
5) Provides full support for all initiatives and decisionsof the ECOWAS to secure transitional institutions in these countries, thereunification of Malian territory and the organisation of free, transparent andinclusive elections in these states.
Abidjan, 18 October2012

RESOLUTIONOF THE AFRICA LIBERAL NETWORK GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON COTE D’IVOIRE
1) Noting the change of government on 10 November 2010, following elections which were free, fair and inclusive;
2) Considering the long and gruelling post-electoral crisis which involved unacceptable violations of human rights;
3) Considering the efforts made by the people and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, under the authority of President Alassane Ouattara, towards economic stabilisation and refurbishment of basic infrastructure;
4) Considering the commitment of the President of the Republic to restore the rule of law and fight against impunity in all its forms, including through the creation of the National Commission of Inquiry into post-electoral crimes;
5) Considering the strong and legitimate aspirations of the people of Côte d’Ivoire to lead a better life in an international context marked by the global economic crisis;
The Africa Liberal Network, meeting in Abidjan for its General Assembly on 18 October 2012:
1) Reaffirms its commitment to the democratic values which are reflected in the organization of free, transparent and inclusive elections, in line with international norms and standards;
2) Condemns all attempts to destabilize the institutions of the republic and to challenge social peace and democratic achievements;
3) Condemns the unacceptable violations of human rights;regardless of the perpetrators and circumstances. To this end, the ALN welcomes the commitment of the President of the Republic, HE Alassane Ouattara, to shed light on the violations of human rights and post-election violence;
4) Encourages Ivorian justice to respond to the findings of the National Commission of Inquiry;
5) Commends the President for his wisdom and the sense of responsibility with which he handled the post-election crisis in Côte d’Ivoire;
6) Commends the Government for fiscal consolidation and reforms undertaken to improve the business climate and restore the confidence of domestic and international investors;
7) Commends the President for his commitment to national reconciliation and encourages him to persevere in his efforts to ensure the return of trust through dialogue inclusive;
8) Invites the entire political class to renounce the use of violence and instead to commit themselves to republican dialogue.
Abidjan, 18 October 2012

AFRICA LIBERAL NETWORK GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION IN RESPECT OFSOMALILAND
The Africa Liberal Network welcomesthe progress made in Somaliland, noting the development of a stable politicalentity with a democratically elected Government.
The Africa Liberal Networksupports the wish of the people of Somaliland to be recognised by theinternational community as an independent state.
The Africa Liberal Network valuesthe commitment of the Peace and Development Party (KULMIYE) of Somaliland toliberal values and its desire to be full member of the Network. The ALNbelieves that the party can make an important contribution to peace andstability in the Horn of Africa and therefore will consider its request to begranted full membership status within one year, having been admitted as anobserver member at this General Assembly in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
Abidjan, 18 October 2012

On 5 May 2012, members of the Africa Liberal Network (The Network) from across East Africa and the Horn of Africa met in the historic city of Addis Ababa at the invitation of the Ethiopian Democratic Party (EDP). Together, they came to agree a draft Liberal Manifesto for Africa based on their parties’ own guiding principles. This document sets out twenty proposals to implement those principles.
The delegates included representatives from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of Kenya, the Civic United Front (CUF) of Tanzania, the Seychelles National Party (SNP), Liberal Democratic Transparency (LDT) of Uganda, and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Sudan, as well as welcome observers the Peace, Unity and Development Party (KULMIYE) of Somaliland. This document will be submitted to the Africa Liberal Network General Assembly in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, in October 2012, for debate, amendment and adoption.
A Liberal Manifesto for Africa
On the African continent, Liberal Democratic parties actively campaign to promote political and civil rights, develop a democratic culture and ensure good governance. African liberals believe that development must be founded on the principles of economic, environmental and social sustainability. Governments should promote free markets within an overall policy framework that enables all individuals to participate fully in economic life. Finally, liberals aim to promote peace and stability across the African continent, and call for greater regional integration and cooperation as a way to ensure long-term prosperity. In order to achieve these objectives, the Network has agreed the following key principles and actions:
Political Reform and Civil Rights
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. The Network believes in the rights of the individual; rights which are not given to each of us, are not given to any of us.
1. Separation of Powers: The different and independent roles of the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary must be respected. Elected Heads of State should only serve a maximum of two terms in office, not exceeding five years each, so as to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of one individual for a prolonged period. The Legislature, as an assembly of representatives of the people, should play a greater role in oversight of the Executive, in addition to creating laws. The Judiciary should be impartial and independent.
2. Elections: Elections should be open, transparent, and meet the provisions of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. The Network calls for full ratification of this Charter and the implementation of its provisions, and for AU monitoring processes to be fully compatible with the highest international standards.
3. Freedom of Expression and Association: Free expression of ideas should be realised for the people of Africa through the establishment of diverse outlets for expression, with equitable access to the media for all citizens.
4. Political Parties: There must be recognition of the vital importance to democracy of political parties as a vehicle for the promotion of ideas. We believe that political parties have a responsibility to represent the views and needs of constituents. The Network calls for the establishment of fair and equitable conditions for all political parties to play their role freely and effectively. At the same time, there must be clear separation of the functions of the ruling party and Government; public resources must not be abused to meet the objectives of one party. The Government has an obligation to act in the interests of the whole population.
5. Rights: The Network upholds the protection of all fundamental human and political rights, as set out in international declarations such as the UN Declaration on Human Rights. The application of fundamental human and political rights of Africans as individuals should not be unduly constrained by the state in its desire to promote common goals. Liberals believe that recognised and secure private property rights are vital, not only to economic development, but also to underpin individual civil and political rights.
6. Devolution of Power: The Network believes that devolution of power creates wider opportunities for individuals to participate in local affairs and to contribute to the development of communities. Mechanisms should provide for the equitable distribution of national resources.
7. Good Governance and the Rule of Law: The Network is committed to the highest standards of professional conduct in public administration. Openness, accountability, an independent civil service, and the rule of law are essential tools in the fight against corruption. Impunity must be addressed and those found culpable of misconduct should face the full force of the law.
8. Civil Society: The role of civil society should be recognised in all states. The Network calls for the provision of a legislative framework which will enable civil society groups to operate freely and effectively and promote the betterment of society through advocacy for the rights and needs of the people.
Economic Development
Liberals believe in the promotion of free enterprise and fair trade. The Network wishes to promote widespread prosperity through the development of entrepreneurship and the empowerment of the private sector.
9. Trade: African liberals are committed to increase intra-African trade by easing of barriers to international exchange of goods and services. The Network will seek to persuade the World Trade Organization to allow preferential tariff reductions between African states.
10. Economic Freedom: The Network believes that each government in the region should encourage the development of markets, without favouring particular businesses, in order to encourage individual entrepreneurs in all sectors.
11. The Enabling State: We believe that government has a vital role to play in enabling all people to participate fully in the economy. This must include enabling economic opportunity for all in a diversified economy, ensuring adequate provision of education, health services and support for disabled people and senior citizens; and addressing unemployment.
12. Public-Private Partnerships: Liberals supports public-private partnerships and see a need for governments to invest in areas that do not attract private investment but are essential for the public.
13. Agricultural Development: The Network will support investment in agricultural technology and skills to improve productivity and profitability. The Network will encourage the development of agricultural processing companies in rural areas to provide jobs. This will reduce over-dependence on limited land and rural-urban migration.
14. Environmental Sustainability: African liberals will work to preserve our natural resources for posterity. We will campaign for water, land and ecosystems to be used sustainably; for investment in clean energy generation; and for governments and peoples to earn their fair share of the profits of minerals, through levying of taxes, rents and charges on extractive industries as appropriate. The Network believes that enterprises should practise corporate social responsibility.
Peace and Stability
The Network wants Africa to be a peaceful and stable continent. The Network and its member parties are committed to working with sovereign states, international and regional organisations, civil society groups and non-state actors to end violent conflict both within and between African states. Where conflict does emerge, the Network is committed to supporting conflict resolution at every level, beginning at the local level, from traditional to national and international institutions.
15. International Relations: The Network calls for the respect of international law and norms, as well as the territorial integrity and sovereignty of African states; while recognising the validity of the Responsibility to Protect Doctrine (R2P) that regimes can forgo their sovereign rights if they commit extreme violence against their own populations. The Network demands an end to proxy conflicts and their negative impact on individual lives and continental prosperity.
16. Regional Integration: The Network believes that regional integration is the key to long-term peace and prosperity and calls for the creation and enlargement of free trade blocs as a prelude to ending protectionism on the African continent. The Network wants to unite the people of Africa and calls for greater investment in communications and infrastructure, in addition to the easing of visa restrictions. The Network actively supports the creation of new institutions and treaties which ensure greater cooperation between nation states to address transnational threats such as terrorism, piracy, corruption, environmental degradation and the illicit trafficking of people, drugs and arms.
17. Humanitarian Values: The Network calls for greater preparedness and cooperation in cases of humanitarian emergency. The Network defends the right to seek refuge in neighbouring countries, while recognising that this requires an urgent coordinated response in order to minimise the stress on those affected, the host state, and the international community.
18. Human Rights: The Network urges the further development of the international legal system and wants to ensure that when credible evidence emerges of grievous human rights violations or crimes against humanity, a comprehensive investigation follows, with the accused judged by a competent court. Where this is not possible at the national level, the Network believes that regional and international courts should assume this role. Those found guilty should be held responsible for their actions while ensuring that the threat of punishment does not perpetuate a conflict which could otherwise be resolved.
19. Conflict Resolution: The Network actively supports all indigenous efforts to address the legacy of violent conflict; including attempts to rehabilitate and reintegrate individuals culpable for crimes against their own communities during civil conflicts. The Network recognises the positive impact of the process of truth and reconciliation, whilst acknowledging that this may not be appropriate in every case.
20. Arms Trade: The Network calls for African governments to re-examine their military expenditure urgently and reallocate resources towards promoting greater peace and stability on the African continent, including AU- and UN-mandated peacekeeping forces which can help to stabilise conflicts. The Network urges stronger international action to curb the arms trade which is a scourge on African development. Furthermore, the Network calls on all African states to cooperate with global efforts to ensure greater transparency in this industry.
________________________________________
The participants would like to thank the following individuals for their assistance in drafting this document: the Africa Liberal Network President, Dr Mamadou Lamine Bâ; the Head of Policy at the Liberal Democrats, Mr Christian Moon; and the Chair of the Social Liberal Forum, Dr David Hall-Matthews.

The 188th Liberal International Executive Committee:
• condemns in the strongest possible terms the unconstitutional seizure of power in Mali by members of the armed forces on 22 March 2012.
• stresses that the coup d’état threatens the national unity and further risks undermining the democratic culture which has evolved in Mali over the past two decades
• supports the statements of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Union (AU) and joins their calls for restoration of the constitution
• regrets the severity of the Tuareg rebellion in the North, especially the migratory pressures and influx of arms following the conflict in Libya
• pledges solidarity with liberal and democratic forces in Mali and calls for the restoration of fundamental freedoms for the Malian people
• calls for suspension of Mali from ECOWAS and AU, as well as for all international development aid, until democracy is restored
• calls for the coup leaders to immediately return to their barracks, and ensure a peaceful transfer of power to a transitional civilian authority tasked with restoring the status quo ante and holding the presidential and legislative elections, scheduled for April and June respectively, as soon as possible

The Executive Committee of Liberal International:
• Taking into account information from various independent sources such as the UN, European Union, organizations for human rights working in the Great Lakes Region of Africa in this case Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International and the Burundian civil society;
• Taking into account resolution 2027 (2011) of the United Nations Security Council acts in which the police are heavily involved;
• Adopts the resolution proposed by the African Liberal Networkon 25 February 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The constituent elements are the following:
The Liberal International:
• condemns the arbitrary arrests, imprisonments, assassinations of opposition activists gathered in the ADC-Ikibiri coalition, of human rights activists and of journalists and demands their unconditional release;
• condemns strongly the torture and extrajudicial killings and the persecution of the leaders of opposition parties, forcing them into exile or to lead an underground life;
• regrets the restriction of activities of political parties and requires that the authorities create an atmosphere that reassures the return of leaders from exile or from hiding;
• is pleased that the President of the Republic has called on opposition leaders to return to the country and encourages him to make every effort to materialize the negotiations to ensure the social-political harmony of the country;
• calls on the Burundian government to always resolve these conflicts through genuine and constructive dialogue, taking into account that the peace and stability of a country are essential to its development;
• calls on the Burundian government to respect the UN Charter, the African Union Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and all other conventions on the protection of the physical and moral integrity of man;
• asks the international community to continue to monitor closely the evolution of the political and security situation in Burundi, and in case of lack of improvement, to suspend all direct aid to the Burundi government.

Good Governance in Africa
After analysing the political situation in Africa, the ALN General Assembly meeting in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo:
1. Expresses dissatisfaction with democratic progress achieved in several countries on the continent.
2. Regrets that some countries’ democratic standards have deteriorated, leading to reports of injustice and violence against politicians, citizens and independent associations.
3. Condemns leaders on the continent which continue to engage in self-centred practices that undermine unity, peace, and the prosperity of their people, thus provide a fertile ground for conflict and keeping the continent on a democratic deficit.
4. Notes with great interest the Democratic wind of change in Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, and calls upon all Democratic forces in all African countries to embrace fundamental freedoms and tolerance as espoused by Liberal Democracy, as a means of ensuring peace and development in the region.
The situation undermines democracy and human integrity as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Taking into account the above mentioned situation, the ALN General Assembly held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo;
Resolves that African Leaders should govern their people in the strict respect of the constitution and laws of their countries subject to them being in accordance with the will of the people of that country, and incorporating internationally agreed conventions and human rights. This should also include ratification of the African Charter on Elections, Democracy and Good Governance by African countries.
Free and Fair Elections in Africa
The ALN General Assembly held in Kinshasa, DRC;
1. Commends the document on Free and Fair Elections compiled by Dr Chico Francisco and placed before the General Assembly and calls for this to be translated and circulated to members for review and feedback.
2. Calls for a team of three to work under the leadership of Dr Francisco to produce a comprehensive guiding document.
Progress in Democratisation
Noting the presentation to the General Assembly of the Africa Liberal Network (ALN) in Kinshasa, DRC entitled “Free and Fair Elections in Africa”, which identified a general improvement in democratic electoral outcomes across Africa since 1990.
Further noting that a straw poll of the parties attending the General Assembly meeting – when the following question was posed: “Has there been a strengthening of democratic electoral processes in your country in the past ten years?” –  yielded the following outcome, by country:
“Yes, democratic electoral processes have strengthened in the past 10 years:”
60% of members
“No, democratic electoral processes have not strengthened in the past 10 years:”
40% of members
Resolves to continue the work of the Africa Liberal Network, especially that which strengthens electoral processes, to increase the number of countries that have experienced truly democratic elections
Further resolves to continue monitoring these opinions from member countries in forthcoming ALN meetings.