Andorra 2017
Congress recognises the work of Africa Liberal Network (ALN) which has become the largest party-political federation on the continent, growing in membership and political strength. Liberal International commits to continue to working in partnership with ALN and its members, in particular on matters related to promotion and respect for Human Rights. Liberal International notes with concern the resolution by African Union Heads of State at the recent summit in Addis Ababa to support mass withdrawal from ICC by African member states, applauding at the same time the member states that voted against and raised reservation against the AU resolution amongst others, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Botswana. Congress commends the Senegalese authorities who take a leading role in the fight against impunity. In this context LI Congress wants to highlight the example Senegal has given by organising the process against the Chadian dictator Hissène Habré in Senegal. Congress calls on African states to remain committed to the ICC and push for reforms of the ICC.
LI Congress commends the increased active role ECOWAS is taking in supporting peace and stability in West Africa, a recent example being the commitment in the peaceful transition in Gambia. The Congress further commends the commitment of West African States to coordinate and follow up development politics and security topics with initiatives like G5 Sahel – Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad – whose Heads of State came together in Mali in February 2017 to discuss a joint strategy in the fight against terrorism.
Congress renews the gratitude to Rassemblement des Républicains of Cote d’Ivoire for the generous donation to LI.
Congress notes the continuing unrest in Burundi and the persecution of all opponents of the President who unconstitutionally remains in power, and calls upon the African Union to pressurise the President and his Government into a complete restoration of democracy and sanctions for those responsible for crimes against humanity.
LI Congress commends its member party Rassemblement des Républicains (RDR) and the president of Côte d’Ivoire Alassane Dramane Ouattara for the sustained economic growth and development of the country and encourages them to maintain the tendency towards increased economic and political freedoms. Congratulating President Ouattara on the success of the vote on the referendum on the new constitution on 30 October 2016 which has set the ground stone for important reform of the institutions in Côte d´Ivoire, the LI Congress calls on the RDR and the authorities to complete the process of true national reconciliation. National reconciliation and social cohesion are crucial for strengthening peace and stability in the aftermath of the past conflict. The Congress expresses its condolences to the victims of the jihadist terror attack in Grand Bassam on 13 March 2016 and encourages the Ivorian Government to continue the fight against terrorism and radicalisation.
The 70th Congress of Liberal International, held in Andorra from 18 to 21 May 2017, endorses the United Nations’ Resolution 2348 on the Democratic Republic of Congo, and calls on the International Community to be vigilant and pay a particular attention to the fast and effective implementation of the Global and Inclusive Agreement of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO).
The Congress, aware of the risks that would result from the non-implementation of the Agreement, invites all signatory parties to strictly observe the spirit and the letter of the Agreement.
Congress condemns the growing instability spreading violence and mounting human rights violations especially in the Kasai region.
Congress calls upon the African Union to negotiate an end to the dictatorship in Equatorial Guinea, supervising free and fair elections.
Congress commends the people of Gambia for the peaceful transition at the occasion of the Presidential elections in December 2016. The Congress congratulates President Adama Barrow and his coalition government and welcomes the new President and his government´s promise to implement political and economic reform. The Congress welcomes the strong commitment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the mediation of the Presidents of Senegal, Guinea and Nigeria in the peaceful transition of power in Gambia. LI acknowledges Gambia for recommitting itself to the ICC by the new government led by President Adama Barrow.
Congress condemns the brutal repression by the security forces in Guinea during the strike of the Teachers’ Unions in February 2017. Eight people, including a pregnant woman, were killed following the demonstrations of pupils and their parents demanding the reopening of classes after weeks of
strikes by the Unions. This culture of violence, entertained by the total impunity is unacceptable. In the last 7 years, 73 opposition supporters have been killed by the Guinean security forces during peaceful demonstrations. The continued Human Rights violation in Guinea is deeply concerning. On Amnesty International’s latest Report (2016/17), it indicates that “The security forces used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and harassed people expressing dissent. Torture and other ill-treatment were reported. The security forces continued to enjoy impunity for Human Rights violations”. This culture of violence, entertained by the total lack of impunity is unacceptable. Congress condemns the apparent lack of political will from the current regime to end the series of violence perpetrated by the armed forces. Above all, the Guinean authorities are invited to shed light on these crimes and to put an end to the cycle of impunity enjoyed by criminals. Liberal International demands, in conformity with the Agreements of July 2013, August 2015 and October 2016 that the Guinean authorities investigate, identify and bring to justice all those behind these appalling crimes committed against the peaceful civilians and the opposition supporters. Congress demands that the Guinean authorities do everything in their power to ensure that the agreement of 12 October 2016 is abided by. Of particular importance is the decision to hold the long-overdue Local Elections in 2017. Liberal international finally warns the Guinean Government and particularly the Guinean President against any attempt to modify the Constitution for the purpose of remaining in power beyond 2020, as prescribed in the Constitution.
Congress notes with concern the irregularities on the part of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission of Kenya, currently being challenged in court by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), in the procurement of electronic devices for elections and audit for the voters’ register in regards to the upcoming general elections in the country on 8 August 2017. Congress further notes that there is no assurance that the elections will be credible, free and fair as the election law was amended to provide for use of the manual register on polling day. This constitutes a clear pre-rigging strategy. Incidents of pre-electoral violence by supporters of cross sections of aspirants and their supports are increasing day by day. The security of women aspirants is not guaranteed and as such deliberations on preventing violence against women remains a very crucial aspect of meetings of its member ODM. Congress appeals to the Kenyan authorities to closely monitor and ensure, through intelligence gathering of information, that incidents of pre and post-election violence are prevented before they occur and suspected perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted. LI calls on the authorities to effectively enforce law and order in order to protect all Kenyans and particularly women candidates and women campaign staff be they of women or men candidates.
LI Congress is concerned about the on-going insecurity in Mali and the fact that insurgency has extended from the North to the Centre and Southern Mali. Congress encourages the Malian Government and the people of Mali to implement the Peace Treaty of Algiers, thus together building a basis for social cohesion, security and peace. An important part in this process is the establishment and strengthening in all parts of the country. Congress commends the international community of
states for the strong support in the fight for security and reconstruction in Mali. Congress expresses its condolences to the victims of jihadist attacks in various places in Mali, members of the Malian army, civilians and members of international troops supporting Mali in its fight for peace and stability.
Congress commends the President Macky Sall and his party Alliance pour la République (APR) for Senegal´s continued role as a model for stability in West Africa. Senegal is also pursuing an economic reform policy has been receiving rising marks in internationally renowned rankings like the Doing Business Index and the Mo Ibrahim Index. Congress calls on liberal parties in government and opposition to reinforce dialogue and the joint promotion of liberal values.
LI expresses concern by the situation in Somalia with regards to security, droughts, good governance and political stability. Congress believes that Somalia is not yet security self-sufficient and calls further multilateral support to the country, both in terms of humanitarian assistance and dealing with Al-Shehab terrorist threats. LI calls for a formation of an inclusive cabinet will address Somalia’s pressing issues. Congress urges the new government of Somalia to develop clear national vision 2020 aiming at stability, unity, federalism and plural democracy based on one person one vote.
LI congratulates the Democratic Alliance (DA) of South Africa for the court case success in ensuring that South African Government withdrawal from ICC is declared unconstitutional, irrational and invalid. This is a victory or African justice, peace and rule of law. South Africa is once again, a full member of the ICC and signatory to the Rome Statute, thanks to the DA’s continued diligence in challenging the corrupt ANC’s divergence from Nelson Mandela’s human rights based foreign policy. Congress warmly congratulates the DA following their success in the recent local elections. DA currently governs in 38 municipalities, ensuring that over 16 million South Africans have access to services under a liberal government; these include South Africa’s economic hubs Cape Town, Johannesburg and Tshwane. Congress acknowledges the resilience of DA in pursuing Constitutionalism, Justice, International Law and Rule of Law in South Africa and Africa.
LI Congress is concerned at the still-deteriorating 4-year civil war in South Sudan, despite the peace deal signed last year between the 2 main tribal factions. The resultant 2017 famine in Unity state and 100,000 people nationwide now facing starvation, requires international intervention, LI believes. Congress urges UN control of oil revenues, a regional peace process, and an international tribunal to bring warring faction leaders to justice.
Congress notes that the Government of Tanzania continues to interfere in the democratic processes of Zanzibar, overturning the results of elections pronounced free and fair by international observers. Congress calls upon Tanzania to restore true democracy to the Island and to cease persecution of members of the CUF Party.
