AFRICA RESEAU LIBERAL LIBERAL 2013 NETWORK AFRICAIN ANNUAL REPORT CELEBRATING 10 YEARS AS Index 04 Message from the ALN President 06 Words from our Partners Pioneers of in 07 Executive Committee 08 The Africa Liberal Network - Championing in Africa 10 Best Practice in Political Communication 11 Study Tours: Experiencing sister party operations 12 Engaging with around the world 13 A new home and a new look 14 ALN in the news 15 Election observation: Building capacity to run free and fair elections 16 10th Annual ALN General Assembly 18 ALN Declaration on Jobs and Growth 20 Pan-African Liberal Manifesto

CONTACT THE AFRICA LIBERAL NETWORK

Ms Aimee Franklin Africa Liberal Network Coordinator

Democratic Alliance National Head Office 2nd Floor, Theba Hoskin House c/o Breda and Mill Streets, Gardens Republic of

POSTAL ADDRESS

Democratic Alliance National Head Office P.O Box 1475 Cape Town 8000 Republic of South Africa

Tel: (+27) 021 465 1431 Fax: (+27) 021 466 8394

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2 3 and imprisonment. With the ALN’s Johannesburg Declaration and Pan-African Liberal Manifesto as the foundation of all we do, the ALN has, and will continue to make our voice heard in support of our members in Conakry, , and , where the situations remain tenuous. The same A MESSAGE goes for fellow Africans in Nigeria and Uganda, where violations of fundamental human have been in the spotlight.

FROM OUR On the political front, in addition to party to party assistance projects in countries such as and South Africa, the ALN continued throughout 2013 to provide support to member PRESIDENT parties competing in national elections.

In 2014, the ALN plans to expand the support provided by Hon. Olivier Kamitatu Etsu developing a plan to deploy teams of election observers into countries as required.

Liberal Colleagues, Collaboration between ALDEPAC and the ALN has also intensified, and in doing so, has strengthened the coherence and effectiveness of the two organizations, both of which It is with great pleasure that I are committed to championing the values ​​of and present the 2013 Africa Liberal democracy.

Network Annual Report to you. In addition to continuing to work on our core objective of empowering Liberal parties to grow their support to increase their influence on politics and implement Liberal policies when in government, the ALN has decided to participate actively in the discourse around and job creation on the As the second Annual Report that the network has produced, it continent. is an important showcase of the work the ALN has undertaken to advance Liberal Democracy across Africa. As representatives of the African Liberal family, it is our responsibility to ensure that the fundamental requirements 2013 was a busy year full of positive developments for the are in place to maximize sustainable economic growth and network. In particular, I would like to welcome Ms. Aimee eradicate poverty on the continent. The question of how to Franklin as the new head of our Secretariat. Her dynamism, address these issues was on the table both at the ALN General leadership and organizational skills made it possible to hold a Assembly in Zanzibar in December 2013 and the ALDEPAC number of successful events throughout the year. In 2013 the Conference in Cape Town in early 2014. ALN was more visible than ever before, and the outcomes of our work were communicated extensively through our social Finally, I would like to thank the Liberal Democrats, Westminster media platforms, including on Facebook and Twitter. Foundation for Democracy and Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom for their consistent support during the past year. Unfortunately, in the last year a number of fragile situations Without it the ALN would not have been able to grow in the The ALN has persisted across the continent and continued to hamper the manner it has across continent. decided to development of many African states. Taking advantage of a forum organized jointly with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Under the patronage of HE Alassane Ouattara and Mrs. Helen participate actively for Freedom in June 2013, the ALN made ​​a modest contribution Zille, a Liberal Africa is now clearly on the horizon. in the discourse to the ongoing resolution of the Malian crisis. Other situations that the Network has monitored closely, and which remain Yours sincerely, around free trade a concern, include those in Sudan, and the Central and job creation African Republic. on the continent. It also falls on me to acknowledge and thank all of the Liberals who, because of their commitment to advancing freedom and democracy, have lost their lives or have been victims of abuse

4 5 THE ALN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Alongside the President, the Executive Committee WORDS FROM OUR PARTNERS… includes five Vice-Presidents, representing each region of the continent, and a Treasurer. The Executive Committee serves a two-year term, which will come up for election in 2014.

In 2013, the Executive Committee met twice, once in Gaborone, Botswana on 8 August and once in Secretariat ALN PRESIDENT Zanzibar on 5 December, to discuss the strategic Aimee Franklin direction of the ALN, including the network’s new Hon. Oliver brand identity. Kamitatu Etsu The ALN Secretariat is based in Président of the The Executive Committee also reviewed the political Cape Town, South Africa and Alliance pour le situation in various African countries, and issued coordinates all ALN events and Renouveau du statements on a variety of current affairs. More can projects and oversees the day to Congo (ARC) be read about this on page 14 of the Annual Report. day functioning of the network. [email protected] Hubertus von Welck Iain Gill Regional Director Africa, Head of Liberal Democrats Friedrich Naumann Foundation International Office for Freedom (FNF)

Dear Liberal friends, Dear Friends,

With great pleasure we saw ALN’s organisational structures 2013 will be marked as the most exciting year for the Liberal strengthened in 2013 thanks largely to its Secretariat and Democrats/WFD in our partnership with the ALN. The its new head, Ms Aimee Franklin, operating for the first network has continued to develop at a phenomenal rate, Northern Africa Western Africa Central Africa time from the African continent. not only in terms of members but also in its depth, drive and strategic direction. The network is now regarded as Mr. Ahmadou Elbaz Maître Gilbert Noël Hon. Alice Nzomukunda The ALN’s new approach to focus on a few key strategic the largest ideological political network in Africa. We are Ouédraogo development areas has proven to be meaningful: more than just partners, we are family, and although we Member of Political Bureau President of Alliance pour la President of the Alliance Throughout 2013, ALN representatives from almost 20 may not always subscribe to the exact same policies, we of Union Constitutionnelle Démocratie et la Fédération Démocratique pour le Renouveau different African countries were trained in political are confident and clear about our ideological place on of . Rassemblement Démocra­ and former Vice-President of communication, allowing them to enhance their Liberal the political map. There is room for difference of opinions tique Africain, Deputy Speaker the Republic of Burundi. communication skill set, implementing it in their daily in style, substance and ideological direction - both centre of National Assembly & political work and thereby strengthening the core left and centre right have a place in our family. The ALN Mayor of Ouahigouya. operations of their parties. Communicating effectively to has accommodated this with a level of maturity and its voters as well as to its members is a crucial indicator respect that should be the envy of western democracies. for the success of a . This is why the FNF will [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] continue focusing on the development of Liberal political 2013 was rich with activity and we look forward to even communication skills. more development in 2014 alongside our friends in the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. Skills training is part of the FNF’s daily business, and I am looking forward to deepening the collaboration with the At the end of the day politics should always be about ALN in this field beyond 2013. voters and all voters in a democracy deserve a choice. We represent the Liberal choice and I have no doubt we will grow from strength to strength with the Yours sincerely, leadership of the ALN executive and our Secretariat.

Hubertus von Welck Iain Gill FNF Regional Director Africa Head of Liberal Democrats International Office Eastern Africa Southern Africa Treasurer Mr Adil Abdel Aati Mr Gomolemo Hon. Bryan Julie Motswaledi Chair of the Political President of the Botswana Treasurer of the Council, Liberal Democratic Movement for Democracy. National Party and former Party of Sudan. Member of Parliament.

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 6 7 Members of the ALN

ADF-RDA (Alliance pour la Démocratie et la Fédération - Rassemblement Démocratique Africain) Burkina-Faso THE AFRICA LIBERAL NETWORK ADR (Alliance Démocratique pour le Renouveau) Burundi ANADER (Alliance Nationale des Démocrates pour la Reconstruction) DRC Championing Liberal Democracy in Africa ANC (Alliance Nationale pour les Comores) ARC (Alliance pour le Renouveau du Congo) DRC Launched in June 2003, the Africa Liberal Network (ALN) is an alliance of 35 BMD (Botswana Movement for Democracy) Botswana Liberal Democratic parties and organisations from 24 African countries and CUF (Civic United Front - Chama Cha Wanachi) is an associated organisation of , the political family to DA (Democratic Alliance) South Africa which Liberal Democratic parties belong. EDP (Ethiopian Democratic Party) FDD (Forum for Democratic Devolution) KULMIYE (Peace, Unity and Development Party)

Through our work with member parties, the ALN aims to spread Liberal values across the African continent by: LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) Sudan

LDT (Liberal Democratic Transparency) Uganda • Championing Liberal policy solutions to Africa’s challenges. • Capacitating Liberal Democratic member parties with the skills they need to win elections and run governments based MFM (Militants pour le Progrès de ) Madagascar on Liberal values. MP (Mouvement Populaire) Morocco • Providing a platform for like-minded Liberals in Africa to network and share information, experience, skills, and ideas. OALY (Organisation for African Liberal Youth-Liberals Energizing African Democracy) Pan-African All members of the network are bound by a policy stating that they exist to ensure the freedom and dignity of all people ODM (Orange Democratic Movement) through establishing political and civil rights, ensuring basic and the , supporting democratic PCR (Parti Citoyen pour le Renouveau) governance based on free and fair elections with peaceful transition, ensuring religious, gender and minority rights, fighting corruption and establishing economies. PDD (Partido Para a Paz Democracia e Desenvolvimento) Mozambique PDS (Parti Démocratique Sénégalais) Senegal PNR (Parti National pour la Réforme) DRC PULS (Parti de l’Unité et du Libéralisme Social) Guinea PMDC (People’s Movement for Democratic Change) RDR (Rassemblement Des Républicains) SNP (Seychelles National Party) Seychelles

SSLYF (Southern Sudan Liberal Youth Forum) LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) Sudan TFP (Truth Federal Party) Sudan UDF (United Democratic Front) Malawi UFDG (Union des Forces Démocratiques de Guinée) Guinea

UFR (Union des Forces Républicaines) Guinea

UMR (Union pour la Majorité Républicaine) DRC UPND (United Party For National Development) UC (Union Constitutionnelle) Morocco 35AFRICAN LIBERAL UREC (Union pour la Reconstruction du Congo) DRC DEMOCRATIC PARTIES in 24 African Countries VISION MISSION The ALN has a vision of a prosperous and integrated The ALN’s mission is to empower liberal parties to grow Africa of flourishing democracies that are at peace their support, to increase their influence on politics and with one another, in which every person has the right to implement liberal policies when in government. and opportunity to fulfil their potential and be what they want to be. 8 9 BEST PRACTICE THE ALN IN ACTION IN POLITICAL Highlights of our activities in 2013 COMMUNICATION During 2013, the ALN ran a Best Practice in Political Communication Project which Above: The ALN drew on experiences from over 11 ALN member parties to aimed to capacitate member produce the Guide to Best Practice in Political Communication. parties with the skills they need to communicate their messages more effectively to their respective electorates.

With the support of the Liberal Democrats, in partnership with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, 11 representatives from ALN member parties across Africa gathered at a two-day workshop in Gaborone, Botswana, in August 2013, to: Above: • Share and compare their respective parties Liberal Democrats Head of Strategic Seat Operations, Victoria Marsom communication and media management models, facilitated the Botswana workshop, drawing on her experience • Learn from UK Partner, the Liberal Democrats, about managing communications for party by-election campaigns. the party’s communication strategy, • Compare the successes and challenges of all communication models presented in the workshop, • Discuss and identify best practice with respect to three key areas of political communication, namely; media relations, direct marketing and websites and social media.

A second workshop designed to share best practice in political communication from a West African perspective was hosted in Dakar, Senegal, in September 2013 by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom for representatives from more than 17 French-speaking ALN Above: member parties. Liberal Democrats Deputy Leader, Simon Hughes, shared his tips for dealing with the media learnt over his 30 years in political office.

A GUIDE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL LIBERAL COMMUNITY

As a result of the two-day workshop in Botswana, the ALN Secretariat, with the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, produced a written guide to best practice in political communication for distribution to all ALN member parties, as well as to the broader international Liberal community. Synthesising experiences and examples of best practice in political communication from 11 ALN member parties, as well as from the U.K. Liberal Democrats, the guide that the Network has produced is an invaluable strategic tool for the entire international Liberal community. 10 11 STUDY TOURS: ENGAGING WITH Experiencing sister party operations Throughout the year the ALN conducts study tours to meet with Liberal partners LIBERALS AROUND around the world and expose member party leaders to best practice in a range of political party operations, including internal party democracy, policy making and THE WORLD Above: ALN Vice President for Central Africa, and former Vice-President election and communication strategy. As well as working with 35 member parties in 24 different of Burundi,Alice Nzomukunda, is welcomed to the 191st Liberal African states, the Africa Liberal Network is an associate International Executive Committee Meeting in Antigua, Guatemala, organisation of Liberal International, the international the by President Otto Perez. During 2013, ALN representatives participated in two study tours to attend the party political family to which Liberal Democratic parties belong. The ALN works in close partnership with this international conferences of the network’s U.K partner, the Liberal Democrats. community to advance the Liberal cause across the globe.

As well as attending Liberal International and other meetings around the world, ALN member party representatives participated in a range of seminars at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom’s International Academy for Leadership in Gummersbach, Germany. Seminar topics in 2013 included strategic planning, strategic political communication, political leadership and Above: liberalism and religion. Tim Harris (second from left) of South African ALN member party, the Democratic Alliance, sits on the Liberal International Bureau and met with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman at the 190th Liberal International Executive Committee Meeting in Beirut, Lebanon.

Top Left: Left: In Glasgow, ALN leaders engaged with the Liberal ALN President, Olivier Kamitatu Etsu, speaks on a panel discussion at Democrats International Relations Committee. the ALDEPAC Conference in Malawi.

Top Right: ALN Coordinator, Aimee Franklin, briefs UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg about the ALN’s work on one of the ALN’s study tours. A NEW HOME AND A NEW LOGO Left: Leaders from ALN member parties in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Malawi participated in the September 2013 study tour to Glasgow. AFRICA RESEAU SPRING LIBERAL DEMOCRATS AUTUMN LIBERAL DEMOCRATS LIBERAL LIBERAL CONFERENCE – MARCH 2013 CONFERENCE – SEPTEMBER 2013 NETWORK AFRICAIN Eight representatives from Tanzanian ALN member party, the Four representatives from ALN member parties in South Civic United Front (CUF), travelled to the U.K to attend the Africa, Botswana, Malawi and Mozambique attended the The Africa Liberal Network kicked off 2013 in a new home after the Liberal Democrats Spring Party Conference in Brighton. With Liberal Democrats Autumn Conference in Glasgow, Scotland relocation of its Secretariat from London to Cape Town, South Africa, where both the Liberal Democrats and Civic United Front serving as in September 2013. The delegates met and exchanged ex- it is hosted by South African ALN member party, the Democratic Alliance, in junior coalition partners in their respective country’s govern- periences with Liberal Democrats leaders and staff who are its National Head Office. ments, the primary purpose of the study tour was to enable involved with the party’s policy making process, as well as the two sister parties to share experiences of managing and those involved with international affairs and election and Operating from African soil, the ALN Secretariat is now even better placed Top Left: participating in a coalition. communication strategy. to respond to regional issues and meet the needs of the Network’s members. The new ALN logo represents the reach and spread of the Network across Africa, as well The ALN delegates were able to meet with numerous British The ALN delegate from the Democratic Alliance in South March 2013 saw the employment of a new Secretariat Coordinator, Aimee as the solidarity between its members. counterparts, including the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Africa also participated in a fringe panel discussion at the Franklin, who joined the ALN after serving the Democratic Alliance for four Above: Clegg, Department for International Development Minister conference on winning votes from African diasporas in years prior in various operational positions, including as the party’s National The ALN welcomed Ms. Aimee Franklin as the for Africa, Lynne Featherstone, and the party’s Westminster the UK, which contributed greatly to relationship building Youth Director. new Coordinator of its Secretariat, pictured here Foundation for Democracy Governor, Sir Andrew Stunell MP, between ALN member parties and the Liberal Democrats. with Mr. Mahamoudou Ali Mohamed, President who was a member of the Liberal Democrats coalition nego- To close off 2013, the ALN adopted a fresh new logo, which incorporates the of the Comorian ALN member party, ANC. tiation team. traditional Liberal blue colour, as well as the warm orange of Africa that is used by many ALN member parties in their own party branding. 12 13 Across Africa, where allegations of vote-rigging and unfair polling station practices are rife, it is essential that po- litical parties have the ability to effec- ELECTION tively monitor voting processes, and that when problems are identified, they know how to address concerns OBSERVATION within the prescribed legal framework. In order to equip ALN member parties with the skills they need to deploy well- Building trained party agents into polling sta- tions to observe elections, ALN partner, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for capacity to Freedom, held a workshop in Johan- nesburg in November 2013 for repre- sentatives from ALN member parties in run free and Botswana, Tanzania and the Comoros. Defending media Elections across Spotlight on The 5-day workshop, which was facili- the continent West Africa freedom tated by international election obser- fair elections vation training organisation, BRIDGE, engaged the participants in practical role play simulating the voting, count- The ALN Executive Committee On 1 and 2 June 2013, nine West Securing media and freedom of ing and complaint procedures and released statements on a number African ALN member parties met expression rights is a continuous equipped them with the skills they need to prepare for any eventuality in of significant elections that took in Bamako to draft resolutions on challenge across the continent the polling station on voting day. This place on the continent during 2013. the security situation in Senegal, as African countries grapple with hands on experience was coupled Mali and Guinea. The meeting their democratic transitions. In with facilitation training so that the In Guinea, the ALN welcomed was arranged by ALN partner, the 2013 the ALN drew attention to an participants were able to return to opposition parties’ decision to Friedrich Naumann Foundation apparent increase in the intimidation their countries equipped with the skills challenge allegations of electoral for Freedom, and gave the party of journalists in Uganda, where they need to train party members. fraud against the government representatives an opportunity to government security forces shut down in court. Anomalies identified formulate resolutions regarding the the operations of a newspaper and by numerous international clampdown on opposition leaders two radio stations without properly observation missions included the by the Senegalese government authorised search warrants. systematic refusal by the electoral and the escalating intimidation authorities to enrol and distribute of opposition parties ahead of The ALN also wrote to the Special voting cards to opposition supporters the Guinean election in 2013. Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and the heavy involvement of and Access to Information at the security forces and government In addition to dealing with these African Commission on Human officials in the electoral process. issues, the representatives formulated and Peoples’ Rights to ask her a Liberal proposal for restoring to investigate a new media law In Ethiopia, the ALN highlighted a governance in Mali that included in Burundi that severely restricts number of concerning incidents, a plan to effectively guarantee journalists’ abilities to report freely including opposition candidates the safety of people and property, on matters through the imposition being denied access to the media, re-establish the rule of law and of heavy fines and jail sentences. irregularities in voter registration and establish a system for monitoring the reported abuse of government and evaluating the process and funds by the ruling party for the issuing early warnings if necessary. purposes of campaigning.

In Mali, the network expressed support for Presidential Candidate Main Image: Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in the Role play exercises included the voting, vote Presidential run off, with Keita counting and objection procedures. subsequently winning the polls. ALN IN THE NEWS

In Zimbabwe, the network called for Top Right: an independent audit of the election Championing Liberal Hildah Sibisibi of the Botswana ALN Member Party, results in order to allay fears around the BMD, demonstrates her facilitation the mismanagement of the election, skills. including a suspicious voters roll issues in Africa and chaotic early voting process. Right: The participants graduated with training recognition certificates from BRIDGE. 14 15 The 10th Annual ALN General Assembly took place in Zanzibar, Tanzania, in December 2013 with the support of local member party, the Civic United Front (CUF).

The ALN General Assembly is the largest annual gathering of the network’s members and brings together senior Liberal African leaders from the network’s 35 member parties to share best practice, Above: network and review the work of the ALN across the ALN President, Olivier Kamitatu Etsu and ALN Vice-President for continent. This year, the ALN General Assembly also Central Africa, Alice Nzomukunda, address the crowds at the CUF celebrated the 10 year anniversary of the network’s rally to welcome the General Assembly delegates to Zanzibar. founding.

Events at the 2013 General Assembly included:

• The launch of the ALN Guide to Best Practice in Political Communication. • Panel discussions on Free Trade and Human Rights. • The adoption of the ALN Declaration for Jobs and Growth in Africa, with the support of Sir Andrew Stunell of the Liberal Democrats. • Resolutions on the situations in Burundi, Senegal, Sudan, Guinea, the International Criminal Court and the 65th anniversary of the Universal Declara- tion of Human Rights. Above: The event attracted significant attention from local media in Zanzibar. Here CUF Chairman, Prof. Ibrahim Lipumba , and the ALN President address journalists. BEST PRACTICE IN CREATING A Liberal Election Manifesto

A workshop was held for all delegates at the ALN General Assembly to share best practice in how to plan, research and produce an election manifesto for a Liberal political party.

Using his party’s own experience preparing for the 2014 national election in South Africa, the Democratic Alliance’s National Chairman, Dr. Wilmot James, took delegates through the process of producing a realistic, Above: substantiated and well-researched election manifesto, The final evening of the General Assembly was marked with as well as the art of simplifying its contents to commu- a happy celebration of the Network’s 10th birthday. nicate in a compelling and easy-to-understand way to voters.

TH Left: 10 ANNUAL ALN Leaders from the ALN’s 35 member parties attended the General Assembly.

Right: General Assembly The First Vice-President of Zanzibar and CUF Secretary General, Mr Seif Sharif Hamad, hosted a reception in honour of the delegates.

16 17 ADOPTED IN ZANZIBAR 7 December 2013

The ALN member parties commit to working for THE ALN DECLARATION secure and peaceful development for all the peoples and nations of Africa and believe that For Jobs and fundamental to that is providing jobs and growth for the benefit of all through the adoption by the Growth in Africa governments of Africa, acting on the principles of full transparency and good governance, of the Adopted at the 10th Annual General Assembly, following priorities for action; the ALN Declaration for Jobs and Growth in Africa sets out the key priorities for Africa’s growth 1. An acceleration of the programme of infrastructure de- velopment, particularly in the ICT, transport and energy that the network will champion throughout 2014. sectors, where a strong partnership of governments and the private sector is essential. 2. An urgent commitment to simplifying and automating customs and visa procedures, and the elimination of non-state barriers to free trade and the transit of good and services. 3. The rapid development of effective property rights, the rule of law and simplified rules for business establishment, to permit a thriving private sector to grow. 4. A sustained reduction in intra-African tariff barriers, alongside a programme to build capacity to accommo- date short-term impacts on government revenues, and in the longer term to open up a continent-wide free trade area. We, the ALN member parties, further believe that delivering these priorities for action will; • Increase trade between the nations of Africa to their mutual benefit, • Increase the well-being of the peoples of Africa, and, • Enhance the opportunities, choices and freedoms of all.

We commend these priorities to all the governments, parties and citizens of Africa, and urge their adoption for action.

18 19 The ALN is guided in all its work by We believe that political parties ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT energy generation; and for gov- cooperation in cases of humanitari- the Pan-African Liberal Manifesto, have a responsibility to represent the ernments and peoples to earn their an emergency. The Network defends which was adopted in Abidjan at views and needs of constituents. The Liberals believe in the promotion fair share of the profits of minerals, the right to seek refuge in neighbour- the 2012 ALN General Assembly. Network calls for the establishment of of free enterprise and fair trade. through levying of taxes, rents and ing countries, while recognising that The Manifesto is founded on the fair and equitable conditions for all The Network wishes to promote charges on extractive industries as this requires an urgent coordinated principles of economic, environ- political parties to play their role freely widespread prosperity through appropriate. The Network believes response in order to minimise the stress mental and social sustainability and and effectively. At the same time, the development of entrepre- that enterprises should practise on those affected, the host state, outlines the key principles necessary there must be clear separation of neurship and the empower- corporate social responsibility. and the international community. for the development of Africa into the functions of the ruling party and ment of the private sector. a peaceful, integrated, prosperous Government; public resources must PEACE AND STABILITY 18. Human Rights: The Network urges and fully-democratic continent. not be abused to meet the objectives 9. Trade: African liberals are the further development of the inter- of one party. The Government committed to increase intra-Afri- The Network wants Africa to be a national legal system and wants to POLITICAL REFORM AND CIVIL RIGHTS has an obligation to act in the can trade by easing of barriers to in- peaceful and stable continent. The ensure that when credible evidence interests of the whole population. ternational exchange of goods and Network and its member parties are emerges of grievous human rights The Africa Liberal Network believes services. The Network will seek to committed to working with sovereign violations or crimes against humanity, that Africa’s long-term development 5. Rights: The Network upholds the persuade the World Trade Orga- states, international and regional or- a comprehensive investigation can only be assured when political protection of all fundamental human nization to allow preferential tariff ganisations, civil society groups follows, with the accused judged by and civil rights are secured for all and political rights, as set out in in- reductions between African states. and non-state actors to end violent a competent court. Where this is not people. Power comes from the people ternational declarations such as conflict both within and between possible at the national level, the

and is expressed through regular, the UN Declaration on Human 10. The Network African states. Where conflict does Network believes that regional and free and fair elections. The Network Rights. The application of funda- believes that each government in emerge, the Network is committed international courts should assume believes in the rights of the individual; mental human and political rights of the region should encourage the to supporting conflict resolution at this role. Those found guilty should be rights which are not given to each Africans as individuals should not be development of markets, without every level, beginning at the local held responsible for their actions while of us, are not given to any of us. unduly constrained by the state in its favouring particular businesses, level, from traditional to national ensuring that the threat of punishment desire to promote common goals. in order to encourage individual and international institutions. does not perpetuate a conflict 1. Separation of Powers: The different Liberals believe that recognised entrepreneurs in all sectors. which could otherwise be resolved. and independent roles of the and secure rights 15. International Relations: The Executive, Legislative and Judiciary are vital, not only to economic de- 11. The Enabling State: We believe that Network calls for the respect of inter- 19. Conflict Resolution:The Network must be respected. Elected Heads of velopment, but also to underpin government has a vital role to play national law and norms, as well as the actively supports all indigenous efforts State should only serve a maximum individual civil and political rights. in enabling all people to participate territorial integrity and sovereignty of to address the legacy of violent of two terms in office, not exceeding fully in the economy. This must include African states; while recognising the conflict; including attempts to re- five years each, so as to prevent the 6. Devolution of Power: The Network enabling economic opportunity for validity of the Responsibility to Protect habilitate and reintegrate individ- concentration of power in the hands believes that devolution of power all in a diversified economy, ensuring Doctrine (R2P) that regimes can forgo uals culpable for crimes against of one individual for a prolonged creates wider opportunities for indi- adequate provision of education, their sovereign rights if they commit their own communities during civil period. The Legislature, as an viduals to participate in local affairs health services and support for extreme violence against their own conflicts. The Network recognises assembly of representatives of the and to contribute to the develop- disabled people and senior citizens; populations. The Network demands the positive impact of the process people, should play a greater role in ment of communities. Mechanisms and addressing unemployment. an end to proxy conflicts and their of truth and reconciliation, whilst oversight of the Executive, in addition should provide for the equitable dis- negative impact on individual acknowledging that this may not to creating laws. The Judiciary should tribution of national resources. 12. Public-Private Partnerships: lives and continental prosperity. be appropriate in every case. be impartial and independent. Liberals supports public-private part- 7. Good Governance and the Rule nerships and see a need for gov- 16. Regional Integration: The Network 20. Arms Trade: The Network calls for 2. Elections: Elections should be open, of Law: The Network is committed ernments to invest in areas that believes that regional integration African governments to re-examine transparent, and meet the provisions to the highest standards of profes- do not attract private investment is the key to long-term peace and their military expenditure urgently of the African Charter on Democracy, sional conduct in public admin- but are essential for the public. prosperity and calls for the creation and reallocate resources towards Elections and Governance. The istration. Openness, accountabil- and enlargement of free trade blocs promoting greater peace and Network calls for full ratification of this ity, an independent civil service, 13. Agricultural Development: The as a prelude to ending protectionism stability on the African continent, Charter and the implementation of and the rule of law are essential Network will support investment in on the African continent. The Network including AU- and UN-mandat- its provisions, and for AU monitoring tools in the fight against corruption. agricultural technology and skills wants to unite the people of Africa ed peacekeeping forces which processes to be fully compatible with Impunity must be addressed and to improve productivity and profit- and calls for greater investment in can help to stabilise conflicts. The the highest international standards. those found culpable of misconduct ability. The Network will encourage communications and infrastructure, in Network urges stronger internation- should face the full force of the law. the development of agricultur- addition to the easing of visa restric- al action to curb the arms trade 3. Freedom of Expression and Associ- al processing companies in rural tions. The Network actively supports which is a scourge on African devel- ation: Free expression of ideas should 8. Civil Society: The role of civil society areas to provide jobs. This will reduce the creation of new institutions and opment. Furthermore, the Network be realised for the people of Africa should be recognised in all states. over-dependence on limited land treaties which ensure greater co- calls on all African states to cooperate through the establishment of diverse The Network calls for the provision and rural-urban migration. operation between nation states to with global efforts to ensure greater outlets for expression, with equitable of a legislative framework which address transnational threats such as transparency in this industry. access to the media for all citizens. will enable civil society groups 4. Environmental Sustainability: terrorism, piracy, corruption, environ- to operate freely and effective- African liberals will work to preserve mental degradation and the illicit traf- 4. Political Parties: There must be rec- ly and promote the betterment of our natural resources for posterity. ficking of people, drugs and arms. ognition of the vital importance to society through advocacy for the We will campaign for water, land democracy of political parties as a rights and needs of the people. and ecosystems to be used sus- 17. Humanitarian Values: The Network vehicle for the promotion of ideas. tainably; for investment in clean calls for greater preparedness and

20 THE LIBERAL PAN-AFRICAN MANIFESTO fully-democratic and continent. prosperous integrated, For a peaceful, 21 VISION The ALN has a vision of a prosperous and integrated Africa of flourishing democracies that are at peace with one another, in which every person has the right and opportunity to fulfil their potential and be what they want to be.

AFRICA RESEAU LIBERAL LIBERAL NETWORK AFRICAIN