Dakar 2018
After insurrection of the end 2014, which led to President Blaise Compaore’s departure, a transitional government was set up with the aim of organizing new elections. But, on the basis of an exclusionary law, leaders of the ex-majority parties were unable to participate in the presidential election in 2015. About four years after the insurgency and the arrival of President Rock Marc Christian Kaboré, Burkina Faso lives a difficult socio-political and security situation in its history. The strikes of the workers’ and private workers’ unions affect very sensitive sectors such as health, education, finance, transport and security. Burkina Faso is at war today against terrorism. According to official data, from 2015 to September 15, 2018, the balance sheet of terrorist attacks totals 118 deaths (48 Defense and Security Forces and 70 civilian victims): a situation, which deteriorates daily and tends to affect several parts of the national territory, the north, the Sahel, the centre, the southwest and the east. Arbitrary arrests and intimidation of opinion leaders show a worrying decline in the individual and collective freedoms of Burkina Faso. The persistence of corruption and the existence of a military justice, which is an exceptional court, does not meet international standards. Social and political dialog between the presidential majority, the forces live from the nation and political opposition, based on consultation and consensus for the issues of national interest, is being undermined today. Upcoming elections: The referendum, early 2019, for the adoption of a new constitution; General, presidential and legislative elections in 2020 and Municipal elections in 2021.
On 30th July 2018 a referendum on a vast reform of the Constitution of the Comoros, which provides the incumbent President Azali Assoumani with the option to seek a further term, took place. Boycotted by the Opposition, the result, as well as the presidential elections planned shortly, present risks for the archipelago. Congress Comoros calls for all parties to the respect to the rule of law, human rights, and fundamental liberties in the pursuit of any constitutional change. The Congress of Liberal International adds its support for the efforts of the African Union to calm the political climate and help in securing free and democratic electoral terms.
LI expresses concern at the situation in Union of Comoro Islands with regards to good governance and political stability. Congress believes that Union of Comoros Islands is not yet security self-sufficient and calls further multilateral support to the country, both in terms of conflict resolution assistance and supporting democratic election process. LI calls for a formation of a think tank to provide an active observer for future elections.
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. Congress commends President Ouattara on following a path of political stabilization and calls on the RDR and the authorities to complete the process of national reconciliation. National reconciliation and social cohesion are crucial for strengthening peace and stability in the aftermath of the past conflict. It is a precondition for sustainable socio-economic development in Côte d´Ivoire.
The Presidential Elections in Kenya were held on 8th August 2017. The results were successfully challenged by The Right Hon Raila Amollo Odinga, one of the candidates under the banner of the National Super Alliance who is also the leader of LI member, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, the largest opposition party in Kenya.
The court established commission of illegalities, irregularities and mismanagement of results transmission by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, which had declared President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Jubilee candidate, seeking re-election, as the winner. The court directed the polls body to reform its manner of managing elections and results in compliance with the law but this did not happen. Consequently Hon. Odinga boycotted the re-run elections on 26th October 2017 together with voters of the counties of Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya and Migori.
On 31st January 2018, Hon. Odinga was sworn in as the People’s President. The country remained in tension and divided until 9th March 2018, when Hon. Odinga and President Kenyatta signed the Building Bridges Initiatives Truce for uniting the country. From that date, Kenyans have been engaged in their political, economic and social activities without tension. Congress applauds Hon. Odinga’s successful pursuit of democratic freedoms.
Liberal International 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 of institutions 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 Soumaïla Cissé and his party, Union pour la République et la Démocratie URD, a member party of the Africa Liberal Network, on contesting the standing president in two presidential tours in August 2018 and commends M. Cissé and his party on the peaceful contest. LI encourages M. Cissé and his party URD to continue his commitment for liberal politics in Mali.
Liberal International condemns the increase of violence that has occurred in Madagascar during 2018, and specifically during the pre-election period. Congress condemns impunity in Madagascar in the context of the elections and the candidature of personalities who are still facing trial for the use of illegal funds for election campaigning. Liberal International urges all sides to preside over a democratic, non-violent and fair election in Madagascar.
The introduction in February 2016 of the Senate ends the installation of all the democratic institutions of Madagascar, nine years after the coup d’état directed by Andry RAJOELINA in 2009 and two years after the return to the constitutional order at the conclusion of the democratic elections of 2013. The absence of effective constitutional mechanisms of dialogue led to people seeking solutions elsewhere. With no Members of Parliament at the start of his mandate, the new President was able to hold power despite two votes on motions to disqualify the democratically elected President, which were rejected by the High Constitutional Court. The semi-parliamentary, semi-presidential regimes are ultimately semi-effective and hence the call for a constitutional revision with a view to strengthening the stability, decentralization and the democratic normalisation. The putschist Andry Rajoelina, in disregard of the provisions of the Cotonou Agreements, the African Charter of the democracy, and the elections and the governance, can stand in the presidential elections of November 7th, 2018 with the agreement of the High Constitutional Court.
Thus, for the sake of a continuity and for a progressive reestablishment of the Malagasy Nation through free and fair elections, MFM supports the outgoing President Hery Rajaonarimampianina, who resigns two months before the presidential election for his own succession to respect the Constitution, a commendable gesture in the world that marks an unprecedented democratic advance in Madagascar.
Congress thanks President Macky Sall and his party Alliance pour la Republique (APR) for hosting the 62nd LI Congress in Dakar, Senegal. Congress commends APR and the Senegalese member parties PDS and REWMI for their collaboration in the preparation of the congress. Senegal continues to be a role model for stability in West Africa and Congress calls on liberal parties in government and opposition to continue dialogue and the joint promotion of liberal values.
Congress commends President Macky Sall and his party APR for the pursuit of economic reform, which is internationally noticed by continued improvement in rankings such as “Doing Business.”
Liberal International is deeply concerned by security situation in Somalia, which is adversely affecting humanitarian, democratisation, good governance, and human rights standards throughout the country. Congress calls on the federal government of Somalia to urgently implement the national security architecture. LI is further concerned that the internal political crisis between regional member states and the federal government can be an obstacle to the progress of democratisation, federalism, and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people. LI urges a political solution to all parties concerned to settle the tensions. Congress believes that Somalia requires full support from international partners to anchor the state building project in Somalia and develop resilience.
Liberal International commends the Democratic Alliance (DA) of South Africa on the party’s continued successes in government. The local and provincial governments that are led by the DA continue to champion economic developments by creating conditions that facilitate investment and create jobs. In 2018, the South African Statistics Bureau reported that 75% of all jobs created in South Africa were in regions governed by the DA. The LI Congress acknowledges the resilience of the DA in countering proposals from the African National Congress (ANC) to change the Constitution of South Africa to allow land expropriation without compensation. Congress congratulates Mmusi Maimane (DA Federal Leader) on his re-election and wishes the party well as they kick off their electoral campaign for the 2019 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. Congress wishes DA much success in its endeavour to change South Africa from a hegemonic to a more representative democracy through its electoral performance in an arena where the governing party is not shy to abuse government resources to further the governing party’s standing with voters. The DA continues to fight corruption, deliver services and champion the Constitution of South Africa in all 37 municipalities the party governs, ensuring that over 16 million South Africans have a better life under a liberal government.
Liberal International continues to view the deteriorating economic situation in South Africa and the perilous effects this also has on all its neighbouring states with concern. The ANC government’s reflexive drift into left-wing and nationalistic populism will not improve but rather hurt the economy further by undermining property rights and therefore any chance of transparent and much needed foreign investment. It is of particular concern here that the country seems not to have learned from the shocking examples of Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Malaysia in its acceptance of large Chinese ‘investments’, the terms of which are being kept secret.
Congress notes that the Government of Tanzania continues to interfere in the democratic space of the citizen. Rapid democratic declines in recent years pose an on-going concern. New laws to regulate the work of political parties’ online content are passed deliberately to suppress the freedom of expression. The recently passed statistics law does not allow any person or institution to challenge or comment on any statistical government reports even in the parliament. It prohibits individuals and institutions who conducts surveys, opinion polls, and other forms of research from disseminating their findings for public consumption without prior approval of the National Bureau of Statistics.
Therefore be it resolved that Congress strongly supports CUF and will monitor the attack on human rights, the rule of law and the imminent threat from Tanzania government to render the country a de-facto one party state. Congress requests the LI Secretariat to forward this resolution to the UN, EU, AU, the SADC Parliament’s Human Rights Commission and Liberal organisations and political parties worldwide, in particular those members of the Africa Liberal Network.
Congress deplores the attack on multi-party politics in Tanzania by the government through persecution of the opposition parties including ALN member party, the Civic United Front (CUF), whose decisive victory in Zanzibar during the 2015 elections was annulled by the authorities using its handpicked electoral commission.
Additionally, the creation of a surveillance squad dedicated to hunting down LGBTiQA communities as announced by Dar es Salaam Govenor, Paul Makonda is an attack on individual freedoms and international equality standards. Homosexual acts are illegal and punishable by law in Tanzania. This should be a call to action to organisations and people all over the world, who share a belief in the values of dignity, freedom and equality for all.
Liberal International notes with concern the continued disputes around the Zimbabwean presidential election results and the fact that seven unarmed protesters were killed by government security forces on 1 August 2018 in the capital Harare. The recent and still unchecked outbreak of cholera in the capital is a further sign that matters are not improving in Zimbabwe, with infrastructure collapsing and health services not functioning. Sporadic outbreaks of dissent are quelled by security forces and again an increasing number of Zimbabweans in this former bread basket of the region are food-insecure. The ‘new’ government of Zimbabwe looks more and more like old wine in new bottles. LI Congress commends the country’s opposition groups, which came together before the elections under the mantle of the MDC-Alliance to continue building a strong and united counterweight to the governing party.
