Manila 2011
Liberal International is concerned that the trade of weapons to armed factions and oppressive regimes in the African continent may strongly contribute to unnecessary human suffering and thus calls for close scrutiny of arms trade to and within Africa. Concerned about forced labour, beatings and torture occurring in relation to the extraction of valuable natural resources in countries such as Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, LI urges governments of countries which export diamonds and other valuable resources to ensure that human rights are not violated in the process. Liberal International protests the recent cases of intimidation, arrests and murders of persons with different sexual orientation, like the examples in Malawi, Kenya, Senegal and Uganda, and insists on decriminalization of homosexuality across the continent.
Liberal International congratulates the Democratic Alliance, especially its leader and Western Cape Premier Helen Zille, for hosting the highly successful 185th Executive Committee of Liberal International in Cape Town. Concerned about threats to press freedom posed by government legislation, and reaffirming the 185th EC Resolution on Media Freedom, LI firmly supports the DA in its efforts to promote democratic rights and freedoms in South Africa.
Liberal International congratulates the Africa Liberal Network (ALN), its members and its partners for remaining firm in promoting the shared values and principles on the African Continents. LI stresses the importance of the last ALN Congress taking place in conjunction with the LI Executive Committee Cape Town, thus providing the ALN membership larger international exposure and possibility to present important policy documents for confirmation by Liberal International. The members of ALN are encouraged to join Liberal International and to play more prominent role in defining the international policies and positions that have particular significance for the future development of the African countries. Liberal International welcomes the continuous evolution of the parliamentary network the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, Africa, Pacific and the Caribbean (ALDEPAC) in the framework of the European Parliament’s cooperation with the APC countries. For the initiative to continue to strengthen an increased coordination between ALDEPAC, ALN and LI is essential.
Liberal International yet again expresses full support for the legitimate winner of the November 2010 Presidential elections, President of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire Alassane D. Ouattara, leader of the Rassemblement des Republicains. LI applauds the efforts of the LI Bureau for its involvement before and after the elections, in particular for the election observation mission led by Vice President Dzhevdet Chakarov, which confirmed the legality of the elections and their results. Liberal International deplores the violence between political, ethnic and religious groupings in Cote d’Ivoire, including the killing of civilians, not least those instigated through illegal confiscation of power by former President Laurent Gbagbo. We congratulate President Alassane Ouattara, leader of the Liberal International full member the RDR and of the new Coalition of Houephetiste parties, on his election and applaud his commitment to a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to examine and bring to justice all perpetrators of human rights abuses in Ivory Coast from whichever faction to which they belong. LI will maintain contact with President Ouattara to ensure that this commitment is fulfilled as soon as possible. Liberal International calls on Cote d’Ivoire to fully investigate whether the events involving alleged serious abuses by both sides after the November presidential elections constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes. In case Cote d’Ivoire is unwilling or unable to do so, Liberal International calls upon the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to start an investigation.
LI expresses solidarity with the Government of President Ouattara, and calls on the international community, in particular the African Union, to assist the Ivorian authorities in achieving national unity, reconciliation and development. LI strongly calls on the government. LI also calls for attention to be paid to human rights, and especially to the status of women in the country.
Liberal International is gravely concerned about the deteriorating security situation in Burundi. LI reaffirms the resolution of the 184th LI Executive Committee on Burundi, and condemns the Burundian government for the continued human rights violations in the country and for forcing the opposition to live in exile. Liberal International insists that the international community, including the UN, the EU, the African Union, and regional organizations, continues to closely monitor the political and security situation in Burundi, and to condition the international development aid with democratization of the society. Liberal International condemns the amendment of the political party registration law which is intended to make Burundi into a single party regime. Liberal International calls on the government to allow for the return of leader of LI Observer Member, Alliance Democratique pour le Renouveau, Mme Alice Nzomukunda, and other political leaders such as Leonard Nyangoma of CNDD, Alexis Sinduhije of MSD, Anicet Niyonkuru of CDP, and Agathon Rwasa of FNL. All opposition members should be able to operate fully and freely within Burundi.
Liberal International encourages the international community through SADC to continue to work towards restoring democratic order in Madagascar, and calls for free and fair elections to be held to end the prolonged constitutional crisis. LI condemns the violence and intimidation against the members of MFM, especially of its leadership, and expresses full support for MFM’s peaceful struggle.
Liberal International expresses grave concern about the changed election rules in DR Congo, which are done without consultation with the opposition, and are aimed to extend the mandate of the current President. The manipulation with the election date creates further doubt about the validity and fairness of the entire process. Congress invites the liberal forces in the country to create a united front ahead of the elections, under single candidate and single platform, and expresses readiness of Liberal International to assist with a unification process.
LI applauds the decision of the International Criminal Court to indict leaders from both sides of the political divide in Kenya who unleashed the murderous civil disturbances after the last Presidential and Parliamentary elections in order to try to invalidate the election results. Political leaders everywhere must respect the will of the people expressed in free and fair elections.
Liberal International emphasizes the importance of the further development of Senegalese democracy. Under the leadership of LI Patron President Abdoulaye Wade, the Senegalese government has demonstrated that it is able to organize democratic local elections, and accepts results that were not favourable to the government. LI expresses high expectations that the Senegalese authorities will apply the same approach at next year’s elections and will also all citizens regardless of ethnicity, political background, or sexual orientation.
Liberal International is concerned about the on-going political violence in Zimbabwe and the failure of leaders to adequately implement the Global Political Agreement. Liberal International condemns the arrests against political leaders, such as Moses Mzila Ndovu during the second week of April. While noting that the major responsibility is being born by ZANU-PF and President Robert Mugabe, Congress all political leaders to take immediate steps to ensure that human rights are respected and facilitate progress towards a truly democratic environment. Liberal International awaits the organisation of free and fair elections, as outlined in the African Charter on Democracy and Good Governance, the SADC Protocol and the Guidelines for Observation of Elections, and supported by impartial international and regional observers.
In accordance with ALDEPAC’s Djibouti declaration, Liberal International deplores the continued armed violence in Somalia between the transitional government and rebel groups. Recognising that the protracted conflict poses a security risk to wider Horn of Africa region, LI demands stronger and coherent international efforts to bring peace and reconciliation to Somalia. Efforts must be made to constitute a stable government so that piracy can be constrained.
Liberal International urges the government of Sudan and the international community to fully support the establishment of a new state in Southern Sudan, and calls on Northern and Southern Sudanese leaders to resolve the on-going border disputes in a peaceful manner. The Constitution and the government of the new Southern Sudanese state must ensure protection of all ethnic groups and tribes, giving them access to the governance at all levels.
Liberal International closely follows the developments in Burkina Faso following the protests and demonstrations against high food prices, and by elements amongst lower ranks of army military. Liberal International expresses support to full member ADF-RDA for its important mission in the new government.
LI deplores the continuing kidnappings and assassinations occurring in the countries of the Sahel region by groups claiming to be linked to Al Qaeda, and calls for the African Union and other partners to provide assistance to Governments in ending this plague.
Finally, Liberal International calls on all African states and governments to observe the UN Declaration of Human Rights, the African Charter of Human and People’s Rights and other internationally recognised instruments.
