Three Thematic Resolutions proposed by the Party for Peace, Democracy and Development of Mozambique and adopted by the Africa Liberal Network General Assembly
Democracy and Good Governance in Africa
The forefathers and fathers of independence of almost all African countries dreamt of building nations in which freedom, democracy, peace and stability were the guiding forces in order to achieve prosperity and social justice for the people.
In the initial conception, democracy was misinterpreted by the leaders of some countries to be a one party system where all components of the society could be represented in one single party.
Diversity of opinion, expression, thought among other types of freedom could be tolerated only within the boundaries of the governing party.
However, some other countries described and implemented democracy as an inclusive and participative system in which several parties were authorized to play their role under the limitations imposed by law to build an open society with equal opportunities for all.
According to the historical records, the reality of facts, have shown that suddenly the one party system has developed a growing tendency towards political intolerance and dictatorship.
This situation, as well as poverty and the concentration of political and economic power in the hands of the governing elite, while the population was left to starve, has led to desolation, dissatisfaction, riots and chaos.
Some of these situations challenged the public order and the military took power, through coups d’etat. This has been the common way of changing political power in many countries during the 70s and 80s.
The advent of the second wave of democracy during the 90s in the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall, gave rise to new signs of hope since the majority of the African counties have held elections, deemed in certain countries to be free, fair, transparent and credible by national and international observers.
Unfortunately, in many other countries, due the misconduct of the electoral bodies or an unfair electoral code, or even worse, owing to widespread levels of violence against the opposition candidates, ballot stuffing and other irregularities, the elections have been marred by accusations of fraud, having led to confrontations with a high toll of injuries and deaths.
The most recent cases of electoral violence have occurred in Kenya and Zimbabwe in which after difficult negotiations both parties obtaining the most votes agreed to form a power sharing government.
ALN congratulates the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union for brokering such peace deals in very difficult conditions.
To avoid the occurrence of future conflicts and wars related to the outcome of elections, ALN defends and encourages the African Union and the managing bodies to implement and monitor the African Charter on Democracy and Governance, the Guidelines for the Electoral Managing Bodies approved by SADC, and the AU declaration on Democracy and Good Governance.
ALN proposes that the African Union establish a panel of African experts to promote best electoral practices tasked to update the AU documents guiding the principles of democracy and good governance, bearing in mind that democracy is essential for peace and development.
For ALN, it is crucial in this endeavor to involve African Nobel Peace Prize holders, as African Union Ambassadors of Peace and Development with the mission of promoting good governance, tolerance, peace, stability and the fight against human hunger and disease.
Human Rights in Africa
The history of human rights is deeply rooted in the history of the humankind. Thus, it is common to refer to the human rights as natural laws, since they are inherited at birth.
However, an attempt to codify human rights has its origin in ancient times. One of most known code of human rights is the Code of Hammurabi. In more recent years, many more initiatives have been carried out to make human rights a reality.
Among the major sources that inspired the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations on the 10th December of 1948, special attention must be given to the Magna Carta (1215), the Bill of Rights (1689), the Declaration of American Independence (1776), the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens (1789), a Memory of Solferino (written by Henry Dunant; 1828-1910), the Geneva Conventions and the Oxford Manifesto of 1947 also known as the Liberal Manifesto.
Africa benefited substantially from all of these initiatives, as witnessed by the abolition of slavery and the wave of independence in African since 1950s and the efforts for the protection of migrants and refugees.
Despite the great advantages provided by the several international instruments dealing with human rights, Africa is not doing enough to implement these legal tools within the national borders of the continent.
Africa is still facing the challenges of human trafficking, slave labour, child labour, gender based violence, and all types of discrimination against women, arrest and assassination of political opponents, denial of civic rights, persecution of minorities, nepotism and ethnic-cleansing.
To curb the damaging effects of internal conflicts related to the denial of basic human rights, ALN calls on the African counties to sign and ratify the key instruments of international humanitarian law and related conventions in order to make Africa a more secure, peaceful and stable continent.
One of the meaningful steps, to fight against impunity in the field of human rights is the full implementation of the Rome Statute that establishes the International Criminal Court.
ALN calls on African countries, as sovereign states to take bold decisions to sign and ratify the Rome Statute in defence of human dignity and with the purpose of protecting the people they represent.
This strategy will allow in the short term to improve the poor human rights records that characterize many African countries and in the long term to build the culture of respect of human rights in Africa.
ALN promotes and supports any initiative of the African countries aiming to end the suffering and losses of innocent human lives caused by the endless violation of human rights throughout the African Continent.
ALN supports the on-going investigations of cases of violation of human rights and launches an appeal to the AU competent bodies to use the appropriate continental and international institutions to fight against impunity in cases where individuals stand accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and human rights violations.
For the sake of human dignity and integrity ALN invites its partners not to spare efforts to invest in human rights education in Africa.
ALN is firmly convinced that teaching human rights will prevent the politicization of the civil service, one of the major source of divisions, conflicts and inequalities in Africa, as well as will enable a more strong commitment of all actors for peace, stability and human rights.
50 Years of African Independence
The entire world celebrates this year of 2010 the 50th anniversary of the “Year of Africa”.
As matter of facts, excluding Liberia and Ethiopia which were never colonies, all other African countries reached their independence in the aftermath of the World War II.
During the 50s, Africa welcomed the independence of several countries, namely Libya (26.7.1951), Tunisia (1.1.1956), Sudan (1.1.1956), Morocco (7.4.1956) in North Africa, followed by Ghana on the 6 March 1957, the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to become independent and the Republic of Guinea on 2 October 1958.
In 1960, a new chapter has been inaugurated in the history of decolonization of Africa with the proclamation of independence of 17 African countries, covering the nations listed below: Cameron (1.1.1960), Senegal (4.4.1960), Togo (7.4.1960), Mali (20.6.1960), Madagascar (26.6.1960), DR Congo (30.6.1960), Somalia (26.6.1960/1.7.1960), Benin (1.8.1960), Niger (3.8.1960), Burkina Faso (5.8.1960), Cote d’Ivoire (7.8.1960), Chad (11.8.1960), Central African Republic (13.8.1960), Congo (15.8.1960), Gabon (17.8.1960), Nigeria (1.10.1960) and Mauritania (28.11.1960).
This was a special achievement for the African people, and successful political negotiation or armed conflict, ensured that the will of the people was fulfilled, and the countries concerned became free and self-ruled. This initiative was made possible by the signing of the Atlantic Charter by the US President Roosevelt and the UK Prime Minister Churchill in 1941, which layed the framework for the constitution of the United Nations. As a result of the large number of new independent states which emerged in the year 1960, this has been since then coined as the “Year of Africa”.
The Africa Liberal Network (ALN), an association of political parties guided by liberal principles and ideals, such as freedom of: religion, press, opinion, choice, association, movement; rule of law, respect of human rights, free market economy, free trade, and private property, warmly congratulates all African countries that have celebrated or are still to celebrate their 50 years of independence.
It is a sincere desire of ALN that despite the challenges that those African countries have faced in the past, the next 50 years to come, should be fully dedicated to prosperity and wealth of each of the countries concerned, including the fight against hunger, disease, illiteracy, corruption and injustice.
Taking into account the advantages provided by initiatives related to the Millennium Development Goals, NEPAD, Poverty Reduction Strategic Papers and other national or regional agendas for development, Africa must stand, grow and compete in the community of the Nations.
To ensure the transformation of the available natural renewable and non-renewable resources into capital that can fund infrastructure and job creation strategies, continental or regional agreements must be promoted, to build coordination development communities and negotiate appropriate trade arrangements.
ALN calls upon the AU to assure support to the member countries, aiming to transform Africa into a strong and prosperous continent.
The African Union should celebrate the 50th anniversary of independence of numerous African countries, recalling the year 1960 as the “Year of Africa”.
Cape Town, 13 November 2010

The participation of the candidate of the Rassemblement Des Républicains (RDR), Dr Alassane Dramane Ouattara, in the second round of presidential elections in Côte d’Ivoire, is a great chance for us to end in this country decades of human rights violations and undermining of the principles of democracy, seriously jeopardizing the development of Cote d’Ivoire.
That is why the Africa Liberal Network (ALN):
· Affirms its support for the candidate Dr Alassane Dramane Ouattara.
· Congratulates political parties which are members of RHDP for their decision to support Dr. Alassane Dramane Ouattara
· Calls all liberals and democrats from Côte d’Ivoire, Africa and Liberal International, to give him their continued support for the triumph of democracy and justice so that Côte d’Ivoire can escape this vicious circle of instability and once again begin to develop.
• Demands the Independent Electoral Commission, and Presidential candidate Laurent Gbagbo, to organise a transparent second round, scheduled in accordance with democratic rules, and the date due.
· Calls for the African Union and the international community to fully play their role in monitoring so that the verdict of the ballot box is respected and remains the emanation of the will of the people of Cote d’Ivoire.
Cape Town, 13 November 2010

Supported by Liberal International President, Hans van Baalen MEP, the Africa Liberal Network General Assembly:
Takes account of information from different independent sources including human rights organisations working in the Great Lakes Region of Africa such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International; organisations which defend journalists such as Reporters Without Boarders; and organisations campaigning against corruption such as Transparency International;
Considering the report of the European Commission on the recent elections in Burundi;
In light of the deterioration of the security situation and the increase in the number of human rights violations particularly where the forces of public order were involved;
Taking into account the socio-political disorder in Burundi which risks upsetting the entire Great Lakes Region of Africa;
Considering that the deterioration of the security situation resulted in a contentious election which has still yet to be resolved;
Taking into account the elements of an eloquent testimony just made the Honorable Alice Nzomukunda, former Vice-President of the Republic of Burundi, former Vice-President of the National Assembly, current Africa Liberal Network Vice-President for Central Africa, and President of the Alliance Démocratique pour le Renouveau (ADR), Liberal International member;
The Africa Liberal Network met from 11-13 November in Cape Town, South Africa adopting a resolution on Burundi. The constituent elements are:
1. The Africa Liberal Network regrets that the elections in Burundi were marked by the inability of opposition parties to verify the regularity of the process because of “the results were not publically displayed at polling stations, and political party agents were prevented from obtaining a copy of the report.”(1).
2. ALN regretted that the ruling government and the Independent National Electoral Commission did not listen to the opposition and resolve the electoral dispute in time, thus exacerbating political tensions, the consequences of which are visible to the naked eye;
3. ALN regrets that the electoral process which began on 24 May 2010 was continued in the total absence of opposition;
4. ALN also regrets that even after the election period, the government in Bujumbura rejected any proposal of the opposition parties to begin a political dialogue between partners, even though the country then descended into violence;
5. ALN regrets that the government in Bujumbura used force to resolve political differences;
6. ALN further regrets that Burundi remains a country with a high-level of corruption, seriously hindering any efforts to attract investment or to fight against poverty (4);
7. The Africa Liberal Network condemns the arrests of opposition activists and restrictions on political party activities that marked the pre-election and election period and continues to this day;
8. ALN condemns in the strongest terms the torture and extrajudicial killings criticised by the international community and organizations defending human rights; (2.3)
9. ALN condemns the persecution of leaders of opposition parties, forcing them into exile or underground life;
10. The Africa Liberal Network demands an end to arbitrary arrests, imprisonments, murders of opposition activists and the unconditional release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience;
11. ALN calls for an international commission to be established to investigate the killings in all regions of Burundi;
12. ALN calls for the ban on political activities of opposition parties to be lifted and hopes that this will create an atmosphere which will facilitate the return of the leaders in exile or in hiding;
13. The Africa Liberal Network asks the Burundian government to negotiate with opposition parties to find solutions to problems of security, human rights, and to end the electoral disputes;
14. ALN asks donors to suspend direct aid to the Burundian government, and instead to support the Burundian people directly through NGOs, until such a point as real negotiations commence with the coalition of opposition parties: ADC-IKIBIRI.
15. The ALN requests the international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, and regional organizations, to continue to monitor closely the political and security situation in Burundi.
Cape Town, 13 November 2010

The Africa Liberal Network supports the process of democratisation in Sudan and calls on the Government of Sudan to respect the constitution, to continue the peace process in Darfur, and to respect the outcome of the upcoming referendum in Southern Sudan. ALN calls on the international community to assist where it can in this regard, and welcomes its new observer member, South Sudan Liberal Party, which was recently established by existing member, Liberal Democratic Party of Sudan in anticipation of the referendum scheduled for January 2011.
The Africa Liberal Network watches with deep concern the situation of the population in Darfur, Western Sudan. ALN calls for the immediate release of Darfurian human rights activists arrested on 30 October 2010 and subsequently. The ALN supports the peace negotiations and understands the need for a comprehensive peace in the region based on respecting the fundamental rights of the citizens and an equitable sharing of power in the country. ALN supports the initiative of Darfur Democratic Forum and other Sudanese liberals and democrats in working towards a lasting peace in Darfur.

We, Leaders of the African Liberal Parties, members of the Africa Liberal Network, in a General Assembly from 11-13 November 2010 in Cape Town, in South Africa, call upon the international community and Friends Liberals in the World concerning the situation which prevails in Madagascar:
ALN condemns Andry RAJOELINA’s refusal to implement the political agreements signed by the four Heads of Political Groups by:
In spite of the confirmation by the International Community (UNO, ICG-M, EU, AU, OIF, SADC, etc.) of an unconstitutional change of government and their recommendation to return as soon as possible in a consensual and inclusive way the constitutional order, the de facto power continues in an unilateral way. It plans to organize a referendum on 17th November 2010 to vote a Constitution which suits Mr Andry RAJOELINA’s ambition and plan anticipated communal elections on 20th December 2010. This continues the spirit of the coup for a disguised dismissal of the Mayors which were elected by general election while being unaware of the international sanctions and holding as an hostage the whole population which are the first victims of these sanctions (unemployment, under-employment, inflation, family division).
In order to support the search for a Malagasy-Madagascan solution, the Alliance of the Civil Society Organizations, the Coalition of the Civil Society Organizations and the KMF/CNOE (a national organization of elections observers) have by mutual agreement instituted the National Coordination of the Civil Society Organizations (CNOSC), a structure which obtained the support of the International Community to ensure the facilitation in support to the SADC mediation team chaired by Former President of Mozambique, Mr Joaquim CHISSANO but the de facto authorities always adopt an unilateral step and an accomplished fact strategy in the appointment of the members of the institutions set by the Charter of Maputo (Parliament, CENI)
ALN condemns the disregard of Human rights and freedom:
The freedom of speech does not exist anymore. Police force is used, with political objectives, to prohibit those who persist to express their opinion. Obvious problems are:
– the monopoly of the public media by the partisans of the HAT led by Mr Andry RAJOELINA.
– the prohibition or the complication of the administrative formalities to organize public meetings.
– difficulties for obtaining the authorization to organize a worship for the country.
– the closing of the medias not sharing the point of view of the HAT.
– the arbitrary arrest of the political Leaders of Ravalomanana Political Group on 11th November 2010 to have organized a demonstration authorized beforehand by the municipality at MALACAM stadium and the powerful repression of the demonstrators in full period of propaganda for the referendum of 17th November 2010.
– Terror and death threats against church leaders followed by members of the armed police force for three months following the worship of 20 May 2010 which obliges the members of their family to leave their homes.
Finally ALN condemns the lack of consideration of the political prisoners 2009-2010.
There is no consideration for the hunger strikers, even for those which are sick. Some prisoners which were released were quickly put in jail again, following invention of new accusations.
So, we challenge the International Community, the countries friends and partners of Madagascar and all the Liberals of the world to assume their responsibility so that the de facto power ceases this practice which is unworthy of the 21st Century, since Madagascar signed various International Conventions on the defense of Human rights and freedom.

The Africa Liberal Network (ALN) commends the Civic United Front (CUF) for its effective participation in the National Elections in Tanzania on 31 October 2010 despite the lack of a “level playing field” in terms of political competition.
The ALN congratulates the CUF Zanzibar Presidential candidate, Seif Sharif Hamad on accepting the results announced by the Zanzibar Electoral Commission for the sake of peace, political stability, and reconciliation in Zanzibar.
We further congratulate Seif Sharif Hamad on his appointment as First Vice-President of Zanzibar in accordance with the new constitution of Zanzibar.
However, the Africa Liberal Network is gravely concerned with the poor administration of the Presidential, parliamentary and civic elections in the United Republic of Tanzania, which was marked by low voter turn out: 42% in 2010 as compared to 72% in 2005.
The ALN therefore calls upon the authorities in Tanzania to establish a competent and independent National Electoral Commission as soon as possible in order to have democratic, free and fair elections.

CALL OF HAMMAMET (TUNISIA) FOR THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AGAINST ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE
We, African Liberal Women representing Africa Liberal Network member parties, meeting in Hammamet, Tunisia from 30 July to 2 August 2010 as part of the second ALN Gender Workshop with support from the Liberal Democrats’ Westminster Foundation for Democracy programme, having examined the evolution of the situation of women around the world:
– Note with concern the persistence of violence against African and Arab women and the deteriorating conditions in parts of Asia and Central and Eastern Europe.
– Recalling the rights of women in the universal framework of human rights, and building on all instruments specific rights of women including CEDAW, Resolution 1325 Security Council United Nations, the African Charter Human Rights and Peoples’ rights of women, we regard the protection of moral and physical integrity of women in the world as an urgent necessity.
Further, We, African Women Liberal,
– Call upon the Heads of State, members of the Liberal International, the media, all organizations and people of good will:
– To mobilize a multifaceted campaign against violence suffered by women on the planet.
Ask eagerly, particularly the heads of state:
– To build specialized shelters to protect women whose lives are threatened both in times of conflicts in married life and social
– Promote women’s access to legal aid as social and psychological victims;
– Call feminist organizations worldwide to denounce the ideologies and traditions that generate harmful forms of segregation and violence against women.
– Call for an immediate end to the unspeakable tragedy suffered by women in the Democratic Republic of Congo and insist on the implementation of the resolution to that effect in December 2009 at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Africa Liberal Network Seychelles.
Hammamet, 1 August 2010
MOTION IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENT WADE OF SENEGAL
Women representing Africa Liberal Network member parties, meeting from 30 July to 2 August 2010 for the second gender workshop would like to thank especially President Abdoulaye Wade for his work in favor of parity.
All processes know a historical inflection point. For women in Senegal, the vote of the full parity law on Male / Female in elected institutions, crowns decades of political activism, deprivation, and struggle.
This outstanding success, we, African women, owe to an intellectual superior, a politician with a clear vision and foresight, the standard bearer of liberalism in Africa, Abdoulaye Wade, President of the Republic of Senegal.
Therefore, as gender focal points of member parties of the Africa Liberal Network:
– We support the President Abdoulaye Wade, in his desire to achieve greater equality of opportunity in the political field
– We wait for leaders of member parties of the Africa Liberal Network, to implement such parity, and make this a reality in our political parties, and we kindly call on President Wade to advocate on the gender issue. So that we, African women can overcome the challenges we face in the way of the development in our respective states.
Hammamet, 1 August 2010
MOTION OF THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO TUNISIA PSL
Women representing Africa Liberal Network member parties, meeting from 30 July to 2 August 2010 for the second gender workshop, thanked the PSL (Social Liberal Party) of Tunisia and its President, Mr. Mondher Thabet for hosting this workshop in Tunisian soil. They welcomed the organization of Tunisian women for their availability throughout their stay successful in Hammamet, historic and touristic town close to the heart of all Africans.
Hammamet, 1 August 2010
RESOLUTION ON PRESIDENTIAL AL’ELECTION IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE
Women representing Africa Liberal Network member parties, meeting from 30 July to 2 August 2010 for the second gender workshop, noted with distaste that the date of the presidential election has been delayed 6 since 2005, plunging the population into distress;
Since these elections are, in the opinion of all observers, the condition that the country would emerge from the crisis persists insidiously with its attendant problems of all kinds of people in general and the vulnerable in particular,
Women of Africa Liberal Network member parties,
– Deplore the inability of some States to hold elections if there arrives the constitutional deadline;
– Affirm that the requirement for a transparent election, democratic and should not give rise to many hesitations and artificial obstacles if the electoral commission is truly independent;
– Wish, as ECOWAS, African Union, UN and all development partners that the elections in Côte d’Ivoire will be held before the end of 2010 so that this country acquires legitimate institutions which lead to the democracy, peace and sustainable development.
Hammamet, 1 August 2010
MOTION SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR MRS ALICE NZOMUKUNDA
Women representing Africa Liberal Network member parties, meeting from 30 July to 2 August 2010 for the second gender workshop, informed of the harassment suffered by Ms Alice Nzomukunda in her fight for good governance and democracy, put to all their encouragement and support in its determination to promote moral values and establishing the rule of law in Burundi.
Hammamet, 1 August 2010
MOTION OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO HIS EXCELLENCE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA, MR ZINE EL ABIDINE BEN ALI
The women representing Africa Liberal Network member parties, meeting for a workshop in from 30 July to 2 August 2010 in Hammamet, Tunisia at the kind l’invitation of the Parti Social Libéral of Tunisia for the networks’ second Gender Workshop, were impressed by the excellent progress made towards the socio-economic development of the country and particularly the position of Tunisian women in society, would like to thank His Excellence the President of the Republic of Tunisia.
Hammamet, 1 August 2010
MOTION OF THANKS TO MR NICK BRANSON
Women representing Africa Liberal Network member parties, meeting from 30 July to 2 August 2010 for the second gender workshop, thanked Mr Nick Branson, Executive Secretary of the RLA under the Liberal Democrats in Britain , for his availability, his hard work and high sense of human relations which are great qualities that enable it to ensure calmly and efficiently coordinating the activities of the RLA to the satisfaction of members.
Hammamet, 1 August 2010

Resolution on the Political Situation in Burund proposed by Dr Mamadou Lamine Bâ, President of the Africa Liberal Network; Minister for International Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs in the Senegalese Government and adopted by the 184th Liberal International Executive Committee meeting in Berlin, Germany on 11-13 June 2010.
The 184th Liberal International Executive Committee:
Regret the atmosphere of intimidation, which marked the municipal elections in Burundi on Monday 24 May;
Recall the allegations of electoral fraud against the Burundian Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI: Commission Électorale Nationale Indépendente);
Reiterate the importance of independent democratic institutions and political and civil rights, cornerstones of a liberal democratic society;
Support the calls from thirteen opposition parties for the municipal elections to be held afresh;
Deplore the decision of the Burundian Minister for the Interior to ban opposition parties from organising meetings during the Presidential election campaign;
Alarmed by the arrest of Mme Alice Nzomukunda, President of the Alliance Démocratique pour le Renouveau-Urunani Rw’Imvugakuri (ADR); former Vice-President of the Republic of Burundi and Vice-President of its National Assembly;
Resolved that Liberal International:
Condemns the interference of the Burundian Government in the election campaign;
Calls for the Minister for the Interior to repeal the prohibition on opposition campaigning;
Expresses solidarity with the detained political prisoners in Burundi;
Calls for the immediate release of all opposition leaders;
Requests that the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, urgently address this issue with the Burundian Government;
Resolves all member parties and organisations to make representations to the Burundian Government in support of free and fair elections ahead of upcoming polls.

The Fifteen Gender Focal Points Assembled in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, approved several substantive motions following the completion of the ALN gender policy document. These were as follows:
· Word of thanks
· Resolution on the Political Situation in Niger
· Resolution on the Elections in Côte d’Ivoire
· Resolution on the Political Crisis in Madagascar
· Resolution on Violence towards Women in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The delegates also discussed a motion submitted by the Tunisian delegation, but did not adopt it.
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