LIBERAL INTERNATIONAL 58TH CONGRESS, ABIDJAN COTE

DIVOIRE
PROMOTING PRIVATE INVESTMENT, ENHANCING SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY

FOLLOW-UP REPORT
PUBLIC VERSION

Prepared by: Ahissata Camara, Researcher

Edited by: Antonella Fabiani Events Organiser

Organiser, Tamara Dancheva Human Rights Officer and Emil Kirjas,
Secretary General
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3

I. PARTICIPATION 4

II. MEDIA COVERAGE 5

III. THEME RESOLUTION DEBATE 6

IV. STUDY VISITS 7- 9

V. DISCUSSION PANELS 9 - 10

1. ACHIEVING DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH: PRIVATE INVESTMENT VS. A ID

2. CAN A FRICA BE MORE COMPETITIVE THAN ASIA OR LATINO AMERICA?
3. LI HR COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATIVE SESSION AND LGBT RIGHTS P ANEL

VI. WORKSHOPS/ FRINGE EVENTS 11 - 12

VII. CONGRESS SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS 13 23

VIII. FEEDBACK 24 - 26

IX. SECRETARIAT REFLECTIONS 27 - 28

CONCLUSIONS 29

ANNEX 30 - 42

A. MEDIA COVERAGE : R EGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL

B. SATISFACTION SURVEY
C. SATISFACTION SURVEY - OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS
D. HOST P ARTY /P ARTNER REFLECTION

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E XECUTIVE SUMMARY

The report of the 58th Congress of Liberal International in Abidjan aims to make an assessment of the
event that marked the return of liberalism to Sub-Saharan Africa after nearly a decade, from both an
organisational and a political perspective.

A Survey of participants to the Congress was made, allowing analysis of satisfaction on the various
aspects of the Congress, as well as providing ideas for improvements. An opportunity was also given
to the LI Secretariat to reflect on the Congress in terms of achievements and shortcomings. Besides
the LI Secretariat, Partners and Co-organizers also had an opportunity to express their satisfaction
and/or dissatisfaction with the event. The survey was sent out by mail to the Congress attendees and
made available on the LI website and Facebook page through http:/freeonlinesurveys.com

The first part of the report focuses on the participation and the media coverage that the Congress
received. Then it continues with a brief overview of the field visits, a new element introduced for the
first time, and of the various panel discussions and workshops that were held throughout the
Congress. The second part of the report presents both the reflections of the LI Secretariat and
comments from the Congress delegates. The Results of the Congress Satisfaction Survey consisting of
26 questions have been presented, providing impressions and feedback of what delegates thought of
the event.

209 delegates participated at the 58th Congress in Abidjan against an initial estimation of over 300
people. Out of the 209 delegates attending, 26 people participated in the Congress Satisfaction
Survey. The results of the survey gave a good insight of the achievements and shortcomings of the
Congress which are enclosed and explained in detail on Page 19.

The Congress has proved to be an excellent platform for LI and ALN to present an interesting and
challenging theme Promoting Private Investment, Enhancing Social Responsibility; the
majority of the survey respondents agreed that the quality of service provided for the participation fee
was good, and all of the surveyed found the Congress to be either Good, Very Good or
Excellent. Among the shortcomings, the Satisfaction Survey results highlighted that the print
programme was not accurately followed; there was also poor time management, which led to a lack of
time for all panels and working groups on resolutions and there was a lack of political follow up on
adopted resolutions.

The final chapter of this report is a conclusion which provides some useful suggestions for future
improvements.

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I. PARTICIPATION

The 58th Congress of Liberal International in Abidjan marked the return to West Africa after almost a
decade from the last hosted in the region 2003 Dakar, Senegal.

Politically, the Abidjan Congress was especially significant for the West and Sub-Saharan regions of
Africa as both ALN and LI welcomed four (4) new members, including notably the largest
opposition parties of Guinea. The Congress also saw a visit of the President of Senegal, Macky Sall
affirming his belonging to the Liberal International.

The initial estimation of over 300 attendees proved not to be realistic. The relative remoteness of
Ivory Coast, coupled with security concerns including repeated attacks of opponents of the
government in power in the months leading up to the Congress, became causes of concern and reason
for LI to consider a dramatic drop of the originally estimated number. Despite this the Congress in
Abidjan saw more or less the same number of participants as the 57th Congress in Manila in 2011.

The 58th Congress was attended by approximately two hundred (209) delegates representing the
liberal world: thirty one (31) liberal parties of the Africa Liberal Network (ALN), forty nine (49)
political parties members of Liberal International from Europe, Asia and the Americas, and five (5)
international Liberal organizations, ALN, FNF, RELIAL and LI Members INLW and IFLRY. The
number of representatives from RDR party was about 30 people.

For RDR it was important to host and co-organize this major international meeting with LI to express
its gratitude to the great Liberal family who has always supported its political struggle. RDR also used
this opportunity to reaffirm its liberal vision of the world and its great commitment to work for the
promotion of liberalism and the strengthening of the ties with other liberal family members.

Conclusion

Given the costly and long flights for most participants and the security concerns in the region, the
Congress attendance turned good in the end and this is part due to the strong regional focus of the
Congress and the attendance of high rank profile dignitaries such SEM A Ouattara, President of Cote
DIvoire and Hon. Macky Sall, president of Senegal.

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II. MEDIA COVERAGE

The Media Coverage for the 58th Congress in Abidjan was promoted and monitored locally by the
communication service of RDR party who did every effort to run televised spots on Ivorian TV, to
publish announcements on local newspapers and to put up banners in all the main areas of the city.
Much emphasis was also put on promotion of the Congress over the internet by using social media
and tools such as You Tube, Twitter (hash tag #LI58) and Liberal International Face Book page.
(Please refer to ANNEX I for further information)

Ivorian media started running news about the event a couple of months before it begun; the first
article was published by Le Patriote during LI event organiser Ms A. Fabiani preparatory visit in
August. In several Ivorian newspapers such as La Matinale, Fraternit Matin, and LExpression LI
Congress was portrayed as an event that united liberal world leaders from diverse cultural
backgrounds based on their common liberal values, the promotion and respect for human rights,
freedom and democracy; it was also defined an assertion of Ivory Coasts progresses and efforts
undertaken since the end of post-electoral crisis in 2011.

On 11/10/2012, the newspaper Le Patriote, commented Cest la prevue de la confiance que le monde
place en Ouattara, citing the Congress it is the result of the hard work put in by President Ouattara
and the RDR party to promote Liberal values in the Ivory Coast, the West African region and the rest
of the world. The Ivorian Press also commented on the pre-Congress fringe meetings held by ALN
and expressed its pride in the election of Ms. Kaba Yaya Fofana, National Secretary of the Ivory
Coast to the ALN Bureau and of Mr. Sidi Tiemoko Tour, Chief of Cabinet of the President, to the
Bureau of the Liberal International.

The national Ivorian television channel RTI and the main newspaper Fraternite Matin, noted that the
opening speeches by Ivorian President SEM A. Ouattara, LI President Hans Van Baalen, and
Senegalese President Macky Sall, were some of the highlights of the event. The video from the
evening news on RTI covering the opening of the LI Congress is available on You Tube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMtQvevWc4s (viewed around 1500 times)

The Congress has been covered in both Ivorian and regional West African media and secondarily in
the international media. John James, BBC radio correspondent for the Ivory Coast channel has also
made several interviews with Congress delegates and broadcasted them during the Congress.

With regards to regional impact in West Africa, the Senegalese media www.seneweb.com, one of the
largest in the region, covered the Congress focusing on the participation and speech of Senegalese
President Macky Sall. LI 58th Congress in Abidjan was said to be the 1st event in which Mr. Sall was
clearly proposed and presented as a liberal since his election.

Conclusions

It would be highly useful for LI to have a qualified member of staff (media officer) who will have a
better understanding of the wider possibilities and benefits of international media coverage. This
would provide publicity and effective advocacy of the work of LI. Without this LI remains an
inward rather than outward looking organisation. The use of social media helped the Secretariat to
spread information about the Congress and improve interaction between participants on the spot,
together and to reach out across the world. Yet, it is likely that LI is unaware of the remaining
possibilities as in this field.

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III. THEME R ESOLUTION D EBATE

The 2012 Abidjan Congress Theme Report written by Professor Ricardo Lpez Murphy, clarifies
the challenges we are facing regarding economic development, the promotion of private investment
and the enhancement of social responsibility.

The Theme report was presented by Dr. Ovidio Diaz Espino, Board Member of the Fundacion
Libertad in Panama interviewed by Prof. Lipumba from the CUF of Tanzania which formed the
basis for the discussions of the session.

Role of institutions in Democracies and in Authoritarian Capitalist Societies in combating poverty

Socially responsible Corporate Investment in Human Capital

Historical Responsibilities of Emerging Economies (climate change)

Relative functionality of the market as an instrument to reach a socially desirable goal

Importance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for sustainable development vis--vis debt-fuelled
growth to attract multinationals

Adequate attention to local conditions: diversity needs to be elementary

DR. OVIDIO DIAZ ESPINO, BOARD MEMBER OF THE FUNDACION LIBERTAD IN PANAMA AND PROF. LIPUMBA FROM THE CUF
OF TANZANIA

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IV. STUDY VISITS / C ULTURAL VISITS

The study visits were introduced for the first time in the LI Congress program and were linked to the
theme of the Congress. The objectives of the study visits were to enable participants to have an
overview and on-the ground understanding of what is being done in Ivory Coast on social and
educational issues, as well as in investment policy and support of the peace process by the impartial
forces. This new element in the event organization has been evaluated in the Congress Survey to see if
it was in fact appreciated by delegates and if it deserves to be considered and arranged within the time
frame of for future congresses.

Two study visits took place in parallel at two different locations each; delegates were requested to
choose for one of them at the time of registration to the Congress (See Reg. Form). At outset the
Secretariat calculated a maximum attendance of 45 persons for each study visit and organised the
transportation accordingly.

The Study Visits 1, based on Private investment vs. human rights, good governance and rule of
law, were led by LI Deputy President Dr. Juli Minoves and supported by LI Human Rights Officer
Tamara Dancheva; these were conducted at:

La Page Blanche, School for Disabled Children

The UNOCI, Headquarters of UN Operation in Cote DIvoire

45 persons were initially registered with the Secretariat - the visit was in fact closed for registration
before the congress started - and 50 the total number of attendees, which included several members
of the LI Bureau and RDR Representatives.

La Page Blanche

The objective of this study visit was to give delegates an overview and detailed explanation of the
most actual statistics with regards health, educational level, levels of poverty and mortality rates in
Abidjan and in Ivory Coast; another objective was also to present the working context of the La Page
Blanche Foundation and to understand how the Foundation reaches its objectives and how its
financed. Deputy President Dr. Juli Minoves addressed the attendees and the Director of the
Organisation by stressing that the school "strives to become a leading educational institution in Cte
d'Ivoire providing solutions for those children and young adults with health problems. Its structure - a
combination of public and private initiatives, personnel and funding - highlights the importance of
cooperation between public and private in development efforts, in accordance with our Congress
theme".

The UNOCI

The objective of this study visit was to provide an understanding of the UN context, methods and
work environment, both from the point of view of regional security, regional stability, and regional
social and political issues. Aim of the visit was also to present the current programs underway in the
region and in Cte d'Ivoire, giving and overview of the general role of international / multilateral
organizations in the West African region. The highlight of the visit was the keynote speech by Bert
Koenders, United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative and Head of the United
Nations Operation in Cte dIvoire. In his welcoming speech he outlined the 3 main priorities of the
work of the UNOCI: Security (protection of civilians), Assisting with security sector reform and
Disarmament.

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The Study Visits 2, based on Linking political priorities with the private sector was led by LI
Treasure Robert W. Browne, supported by Membership & Policy Officer Robert Wintraecken and
conducted at:

The Center for the Promotion of Investment in Cote dIvoire (CEPICI)

The Chamber of Commerce in Abidjan

The combined visits focused on the economic growth of Cte d'Ivoire: the available resources,
expected growth rates, government projects and goals, and Government regulation: how the
government fights against unethical behavior, non-compliance, corruption and aid versus free
markets. Both visits had the purpose to give an understanding of challenges and opportunities facing
private investment in Cote dIvoire and meet private for-profit local entrepreneurs. They also focused
on the impact of international trading partners (China, EU) on Cote dIvoire and issues such as
ethical charters for private investors, how to attract investment, private social security, minimum
wage and pensions.

The Centre for the Promotion of Investment in Cote dIvoire (CEPICI)

The objective of this study visit was to get a better understanding of the economic situation in Ivory
Coast and discuss the potential for economic development and foreign investment in the country. LI
Treasurer Robert W. Browne, Vice Presidents Josep Soler and Dzhevdet Chakarov were received
privately by the Minister of Culture, Mr. Lamine Zein Ali and the Director of the Centre Mr. Essis
Esmel Emmanuel. The Director gave then a presentation to the delegation on Economic
Developments in Ivory Coast - available at the LI Secretariat; the visit concluded with a Q&A session
and the possibility to network over a coffee break.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI)

In continuation of the previous visit to the CEPICI, Mr. Jean Louis Billon the Director of the CCI
informed the participants on Chambers activities to promote entrepreneurship in Ivory Coast, after
which there was a session of Q&A among participants, the Minister of Culture, Mr. Lamine Zein Ali
and the representatives of the Centre. To conclude the visit the Minister offered a warm buffet lunch
to the attendees.

Historical Visit of the Hotel du Golf - Sunday 21/10 Outside Congress program

The Hotel du Golf, considered the headquarters of the RDR party, during the election campaign was
besieged by military forces loyal to the former President Laurent Gbagbo, after the UN validated
results were announced which confirmed Alassane Ouattaras electoral victory. Mr Ouattara
himself, and almost all members of the Rassemblement des Houphoutistes pour la Dmocratie et la
Paix (RHDP) coalition, were deprived of freedom and were prevented from leaving the hotel during
the post-electoral crisis from December 2010 to April 2011.

The Hotel du Golf site was protected by a contingent of UN forces during this time and on several
occasions the UN had to repel attacks by Gbagbos forces. The purpose of this visit was to present LI
Congress delegation and FNF guests with the smallest Republic in the world, as it was called by
supporters of former President L. Gbagbo.

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The visit was conducted by Hotel du Golf management and arranged by RDR representatives. LI
delegation were divided in small groups of about 30 people each and guided through the building and
the outdoors of the Hotel.

Conclusion

Overall, the study visits were greatly appreciated by delegates, and provided a valuable
contribution to the Congress by adding experiences on the ground in the host country that tied in with
the discussions and debates in the actual Congress.

However, from an organisational point of view both visits should have been planned more
accurately and confirmed much ahead of time of the Congress beginnings. Time allocated for
each visits was also limited to 2 hours, including transportation from / to the Hotel (s) and a small
lunch break, which proved to be an unnecessary challenge for the on-site coordination. Without
confirmation of each visit ahead of time, LI Secretariat was also unable to provide the basic
background information required, to promote the visits on the website and through social media and
to accurately coordinate the necessary logistics.

V. DISCUSSION PANELS

1. ACHIEVING DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH: PRIVATE INVESTMENT VS. AID

Chaired by Hon. Alice Nzomukunda, President of the Alliance Dmocratique pour le Renouveau
(Burundi), and featured former Head of Ivorian Bank Mr. Tiemoko Yade, former European
Commission for Development and Humanitarian Aid Hon. Louis Michel MEP from Mouvement
Rformateur (Belgium), Hon. Kerstin Lundgren MP from Centerpartiet (Sweden) and Hon. Han
ten Broeke MP from VVD (Netherlands).

Participants exchanged their respective views on the use of development aid and discussed which
criteria for development aid can give rise to economic development and to what extent this is a task
for the state rather than for the private sector. Participants also exchanged their opinions to what
extent foreign aid inherently undermines the authority of already weak state structures.

2. CAN AFRICA BE MORE COMPETITIVE THAN ASIA OR LATINO A MERICA?

Chaired by the Secretary-General of the Rassemblement des Rpublicains from Cte d'Ivoire Mr.
Amadou Soumahoro and featured the Ivorian Minister of Industry Mr. Moussa Dosso, Board
Member of the Partido Nueva Alianza from Mexico Mr. Constantino Gonzalez Alcocer, Vice-
President of the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan Hon. Maysing Yang and former LI
President Hon. Annemie Neyts MEP.

All panelists briefly discussed experiences with investing in economic competitiveness in their
countries of origin, ranging from Taiwan and Cte dIvoire to Belgium and Mexico. In the end all
panelists agreed on the importance of investing in future benefits. This included foremost ensuring
access of the people to good education, as well as reliable infrastructure, health care and state
institutions.

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3. LI HR COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATIVE SESSION AND LGBT RIGHTS PANEL

The LI Human Rights Committee convened for its 4th meeting in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire in the
context of LI 58th Congress to discuss LGBT rights with local activists and liberals from around the
world.

During the administrative session of LI HRC the LI HRC Chair and LI VP on the Bureau Abir Al-
Sahlani MP and LI HR Officer Tamara Dancheva gave an overview of the recent activities of the
committee which included a brief re-statement of LIs written and oral contributions to the 20th and
21st Session of UNHRC. Those LI Members present at the meeting were invited to give their
contributions to the possible theme for the 22nd Session of UNHRC in Geneva in March. A highlight
was given to the results of the members questionnaire on the future work of the Committee launched
following the EC Meeting in Barcelona. Another key topic for discussion was LI HRCs campaign on
the removal of the World Ice Hockey Championship from Belarus which stirred a debate on whether
LI should adopt a policy of advocating for the suspension of sports championships in authoritarian
countries as a political tool or not. The chair asked all member organisations present to provide the
committee with the contact details of the relevant HR spokespeople following an initial request from
the LI HR Officer. IFLRY informed delegates of their upcoming Human Rights Conference in
Strasbourg, France from 20-23 April, and called on those present to inform their youth organisations
of the date and place of the meeting.

The session on LGBT Rights was chaired by Markus Loening, Federal Commissioner for Human
Rights (FDP, Germany) and newly elected Vice President on the LI Bureau. Speakers included Mrs.
Naomi Blumenthal, Former Deputy Minister for National Infrastructure (Israeli Liberal Group),
Danko Runic, Director of the Agency for European Integration of the City of Belgrade (LDP,
Serbia), Frank Van Dalen, Coordinator of the LGBT Rights working group within the LI HRC
(VVD, Netherlands) and representatives from two local LGBT Rights NGOs: Alternative Cote
d'Ivoire and ARC EN CIEL PLUS

Both panelists and participants agreed that more information is needed on the causes of homophobia
in the first place so that discrimination against LGBT individuals is tackled in a solution-oriented
way. Among the conclusions reached were that in order to fight homophobia homosexuality needs to
be decriminalized along with ensuring equal rights for LGBT individuals by pushing for
internationalization of laws protecting LGBT people.

DANKO RUNIC, DIRECTOR OF THE AGENCY FOR EUROPEAN INTEGRATION OF THE CITY OF BELGRADE (LDP, SERBIA)

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VI. WORKSHOPS AND FRINGE EVENTS

AFRICA H OUR

The 58th Congress of Liberal International, in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire saw the return after almost a
decade of the International Liberal family in the sub-Saharan Africa. To celebrate the occasion, LI and
ALN organised the Africa Hour' which consisted in allocating 1 hour of the program to African
parties presentations, among ALN and LI members or applying for Membership at Liberal
International; by this mean, African Parties were allowed to present their political activities in a
creative way, including visuals, audio and hand-outs for delegates to take away. Each party was given
ten minutes for its presentation to the Congress delegation and the possibility to meet delegates of a
range of parties during the Congress open sessions and networking opportunities during the length of
the program.

Upon invitation from ALN to submit visual and written materials and within a given deadline, the
parties who have submitted material and took part of this initiative were: The Botswana Movement
for Democracy, The Alliance Dmocratique pour le Renouveau from Burundi, The Rassemblement
des Rpublicains from Cote d'Ivoire, The Alliance pour le Renouveau du Congo (ARC) from D.R. of
Congo, The Ethiopian Democratic Party, The Union des Forces Dmocratiques de Guine and The
Union des Forces Rpublicains of Guinea, The Democratic Alliance of South Africa and the Civic
United Front from Tanzania.

HON. ALICE NZOMUKUNDA, PRESIDENT OF THE ALLIANCE

DEMOCRATIQUE POUR LE RENOUVEAU AND NICK BRANSON, ALN
COORDINATOR

ALN PRESIDENT OLIVIER KAMITATU AND LI PAST PRESIDENT

ANNEMIE NEYTS

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FRINGE EVENTS

PROSPECTS FOR FREEDOM IN THE MENA REGION (ORGANIZED BY LI WITH THE SUPPORT
OF FNF)

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Wael Nawara, President of the Arab Alliance for Freedom and
Democracy and featured Hon. Ali Coulibaly, Minister in charge of Africa integration (Cote dIvoire),
Hon. Loubna Amhair MP Mouvement Populaire (Morocco), Mr. Walid Younes Member of
Political Bureau, Future Movement (Lebanon) and John Lord Alderdice, LibDem Convener in the
House of Lords, and past LI President (UK).

Minister Coulibaly, Lord Alderdice, Mrs. Amhair, Mr. Younes and Mr. Nousser addressed several
issues related to the Arab Spring including the impact of the Arab Spring on the Sub-Saharan African
region, the differences in the approach towards the revolution in the different countries in the region,
the shortcomings of the revolution and the struggle for democracy and human rights in Syria in light
of the on-going conflict in the country. Both participants and speakers agreed that the Arab Spring has
brought hope for a long-term democratization process but that there is still a significant ideological
confusion as to the nature of the freedom and the democracy that the people want. A major conclusion
reached is that the West needs to engage with democratically elected leaders even if they do not
necessarily represent their interest or share their outlook as free and fair elections do not necessarily
produce liberal democracies. Thus, as much as the Arab Spring is the best thing that has happened to
the Arab area it still needs time and mostly international support.

DIGITAL FREEDOMS (ORGANIZED BY D66)

The meeting was presided by Marietje Schaake MEP, Rapporteur on the European Unions Strategy
for Digital Freedom in its External Actions, and Hon. Bruno M. Kon, the minister of Postal Services
and ICT of the Republic of Cte dIvoire. Also present were LI Vice-Presidents on the Bureau
Markus Lhning and Tim Harris MP and Mr Gomolemo Motswaledi, leader of the Botswana
Movement for Democracy (LI Member).

Minister Kon and Ms Schaake exchanged views on the benefits and threats of a growing importance
of free access to ICT services for people in general. They also discussed to what extent and in what
form free access to digital services should be a priority for a developing economy such as Cte
dIvoire. Participants in the fringe meeting were invited to participate and discussed amongst others
the best practices of digital strategies of several progressive cities around the world, including Berlin,
Cape Town and Stockholm.

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VII. CONGRESS SATISFACTION SURVEY R ESULTS

There were a total of 26 respondents to the Satisfaction Survey for 58th LI Congress. It contained 26
questions where of 22 were closed and 4 were open ended. The purpose of the survey is to evaluate
the participants experience during the Congress and indicate what was done well in terms of both
political and administrative organisation and what was not.

Question 1

Question 2

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 Question 3

Question 4

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 Question 5

Question 6

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 Question 7

Question 8

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 Question 9

Question 10

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 Question 11

Question 12

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 Question 13

Question 14

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 Question 15

Question 16

Full Title: How would you rate the selection of the speakers for the Panel on "Achieving
development & growth: private investment vs. Aid" on a scale from 1 to 5?

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 Question 17

How would you rate the selection of the speakers for the Panel on "Can Africa be more
competitive than Asia or Latin America?" on a scale from 1 to 5?

Question 18

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 Question 19

Question 20

Did you have enough chances to interact with the representatives of the host party and ALN
delegates?

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 Question 22

Question 24

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VIII. FEEDBACK

Based on the results of the above survey and comments received through the four open questions, LI
Secretariat drew several conclusions on what the delegates thought of the event in terms of
achievements and shortcomings.

POLITICAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Good Overall Performance

42% and 21% of respondents found the Congress overall to be very good and excellent
respectively. This is an improvement from the previous Congress in Manila where the very good
and excellent percentages were 20% and 27%.

EC meeting in the National Assembly

Over three quarters of respondents found the idea to have the EC in the Ivorian National
Assembly to be Good or Excellent. No respondents found it to be a bad idea the remaining
quarter were respondents who did not participate to the EC.

The Congress theme adequately reflected in panels/workshops

63% (to a certain extent) and 37% (yes) of the surveyed participants concurred that the congress
theme was reflected adequately in the panels /workshops.

The selection of speakers

On average for the two panels, 60% of respondents deemed that the selection of speakers was
good or better.

POLITICAL SHORTCOMINGS

Resolutions

Several of the respondents who provided comments focused on resolutions. The main points raised
were:

Lack of clarity regarding the rules of procedure for resolutions, including procedures for
approval and rejection

Insufficient time for political debate on the resolutions, not a priority in the program and often
left for the last days

Weak follow up on resolutions in general, and lack of follow up on resolutions approved from
one congress to the next one.

On other issues

Lack of discussion and resolutions regarding the situation in Mali

Insufficient information and presentation of the situation in the Ivory Coast

Not enough focus on countries where liberals face serious struggles against authoritarian regimes

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 ORGANIZATIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Visa on arrival and at Ivorian Embassies

The procedure for visa on arrival to the Ivory Coast installed specifically for the LI Congress,
and not done normally, appears to have worked well. 40% of respondents received a visa on
arrival to Abidjan. Visas were also issued at Ivorian embassies at no fee for Congress delegates
(35% of respondents chosen this route).

Welcome at the Airport and Hotel Transfer

Respondents were very satisfied with the work of the organising committee in arranging the
welcome at the airport and hotel transfer. 95% found this service to be good (40%), very good
(30%) or excellent (25%).

Staff set up a tent at the airport to allow delegates to refresh themselves pending administrative
formalities and while awaiting their luggage.

The transfer from the airport to the hotels was conducted well on the whole. There was a bus
service for delegates and a car service for the VIPs. All the arrivals were escorted by the police of
the Ivory Coast in order to ensure the security.

Received the congress document on time

59% of respondents received the Congress documents on time.

Satisfaction with the congress venue

90% of respondents were satisfied or satisfied to a certain extent with the Congress venue.

The Congress registration in Abidjan

A majority of respondents were satisfied with the Congress registration, deeming it to be Good
(48%), Very Good (17%) or Excellent (22%).

Participation in the study Visits

The study visits were much appreciated by many participants. According to survey results Study
Visit 1 was deemed valuable or valuable to a certain extent by 75% of respondents who
participated. Study Visit 2 was found to be valuable by 80% of respondents who participated.

Quality Service provided for the fee

77% of respondents answered Yes (44%) or To a certain extent (33%).

Very Good Performance of the LI Secretariat

Respondents found the performance of the LI Secretariat to be Excellent (25%), Very Good
(40%), Good (20%), Fair (15%) or Poor (0%). This is the aspect of the Congress organisation
that received the most positive results in the Congress Survey.

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 ORGANISATIONAL SHORTCOMINGS

The Congress Opening

The ceremony and speakers had more of a local perspective than international

Issues with the Dinner at the Presidential Palace

The dinner location was changed with very short notice from the National Assembly to the
Presidential Palace creating confusion among delegates

The protocol order was poor and at some stage even not respected

Printed Programme not entirely in line with actual Programme

The locations and times set out in the printed programme did not on many occasions correspond
to reality. Events, places, speakers and times were changed causing uncertainty for delegates,
unnecessary long and unplanned waiting times, and generally reducing the quality of the
Congress experience.

Social Media and Usage of Modern Technologies

Still limited use of social media smart phones, tablets. The use of smart phones, tablets and social media in
the congress work and congress preparations was less than the Secretariat had hoped for according to
survey results. Out of the survey respondents 80% had not used a smart phone or tablet/I Pad for the
congress documents, and 70% had not used or were not aware of the LI Facebook page or LI Twitter
activities in the Congress preparations.

Delays and Poor Time Management

Many of the agenda points began with delays, mostly due to lack or delay of speaker or
chairperson. There were also unscheduled waits between agenda points, the worst of which
happened after the opening ceremony when delegates waited one and a half hour with nothing to
do, and with no refreshments provided.

Shuttles and transport

Shuttles between the hotels housing the delegates and hosting the Congress events were often not
available when they should have been. Many delegates, including VIPs, were let waiting up to an
hour to get back to their hotel at the end of a day.

Conference Materials

The Congress booklet was printed locally, but in part due to communication difficulties with the
local printing shop, the cover did not turn out as well as expected.

The African Liberal Manifesto was printed in Europe with help of the ALDE group. Getting it
through Ivorian customs proved very difficult and time consuming, taking time from other
important tasks in the few days before the start of the Congress.

Volunteers

The volunteers were very helpful, and the logistical organisation during the Congress owed much
to the team, however the language barrier was often a hindrance.

26 | P a g e
IX. SECRETARIAT REFLECTION

POLITICAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

This congress reaffirmed the liberal vision of the world and the spread of liberal values in the West African
region. Much like the first LI Congress organized in West Africa in Senegal in 2003 the 58th LI Congress
showed that Liberalism and Democracy are not foreign concepts to Africa or to Ivoirians. Nevertheless, the
Ivory Coast remains fragile due to the severe socio-political crisis the country has been going through
during almost a decade of its recent history

Adoption of the African Liberal Manifesto as an ideological basis for African liberals

The significant presence of liberal parties from Africa, Europe, Latin America, North America and
Asia

The well-attended General Assembly of the Africa Liberal Network that allowed the Network to grow
and further establish itself as an important liberal political force in Africa

The presence of two distinguished Heads of State and an impressive number of former or current
heads of government

Strong participation including delegates and other invitees to signature events of the Congress

The Congress was able to reach out to African partners, who generally have difficulties to attend the
Congress and LI events when they are held in other parts of the world

The hospitable welcome and the opportunities that the LI delegates were presented with in terms of
cooperation and contribution from the hosting partners (the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Liberal
Democrats/Westminster Foundation and RDR) and the office of the President of the Ivory Coast, showed
the commitment and willingness that exist in the Ivory Coast and Africa towards strengthening liberalism

Comparative numbers regarding the LI Congress resolutions

It includes analysis of the LI Congresses in May 2008 in Belfast, October 2009 in Cairo, June 2011 in Manila
and October 2012 in Abidjan

LI Congress Number of Number of. Parties/partners Theme Staff working -

resolutions Amendments involved resolution political
Belfast 2008 1+8 = 9 39 15 NO 5 = 3 + 2 interns
Cairo 2009 1+14 = 15 71 11 NO 5 = 4 +1 intern

Manila 2011 1+21+1= 23 159 26 YES 4 = 3 +1 intern

Abidjan 2012 11+1+1 =13 159 8 YES 4 = 3+1 interns

27 | P a g e
 ORGANISATIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Considered as one of the most expensive hotel, Hotel Ivoire proved to be a satisfactory place for delegates.
Worth noting is that Hotel Ivoire included a newly renovated high standard auditorium for over 800
people that was an excellent option for the Opening ceremony and the closing gala dinner of the Congress
as well

Even if the initial number of expected attendees was set too high and then lowered for security reasons,
costs and long flight, LI was pleased with the final turnout of delegates which were 209 including
Ivorian representatives

The Secretariat engaged in the use of Social Media to promote this Congress, which was not set as a
precedent before. In the last few months before the Congress, LI Secretariat committed to publishing an
article about Congress updates once a week, including posting information on Facebook and following up
on Twitter

The LI secretariat put an extra effort in reassuring delegates of their safety in Abidjan

Two interns were recruited on a full time basis 3 months before the beginning of the Congress at the
LI H.Q. The interns helped with the preparations of the Congress, providing key manpower and skills,
both on a political and organizational level.

Upon training conducted by LI Events Organiser and Training Director of FNF Johannesburg Katja Egger,
10 volunteers recruited among the RDR youth gave remarkable assistance to LI Team

The Secretariat succeeded in remaining organized and concentrated before and during the Congress in spite
of the slow flow of information and the frequent lack of communication with the local co-organizers.

Each member of the team was assigned individual tasks that were generally carried out well and the team
a showed flexibility and adaptability at sudden changes, challenges and a strong approach in
problem solving

ORGANIZATIONAL SHORTCOMINGS

Lower estimated numbers of attendees led to insufficient food quantities and transportation issues and
this was mainly due to miscommunication with the hosting party (Committees in charged)

Some delegates did not meet the registration deadline while others did not fill out the forms with all
the mandatory information requested / sent payment details to LI Secretariat on time. This caused extra
work during and after the Congress and some delays

There were two parallel registration processes: 1 for ALN delegates handled by its Coordinator Nick
Branson and 1 for LI arranged by LI Event Organiser Antonella Fabiani

Despite LI management having decided the location, chosen the venue and the dates for the event well 12
months ahead of the event, distribution of logistical and political tasks among the parties involved
were consistently and coherently done only very close to date. This had a serious impact on LI
Secretariat operational capacity before and during the Congress itself, and it could have been avoided

Up until the first visit, no formal contacts or communication were made or shared between LI
Secretariat and the Hotel Ivoire management

The choice of the Congress venue without a written preliminary agreement and clear contacts to be
liaising with the Events Management not until the first visit of LI Events Organiser was concluded (June

28 | P a g e
 2012) created serious difficulties; the venue was not available due to a double booking in its system and
only under the pressure of LI partners in Abidjan the reservation for LI event was finally granted

Despite finding the space to accommodate the Congress and most of LI delegates estimated to attend ALN
General Assembly was arranged at a different Hotel and so the entire delegation and FNF guests

FNF Office in Abidjan and RDR were involved in the planning of the Congress on site; despite the
efficient local support, information received from the Hotel Ivoire were often incongruent and
contradictory which cause waste of time and additional work for all the parties involved

The Hotel Ivoire administration was poor and needed to be constantly monitored and guided, this up
until the final invoice was issued for LI.

The Hotel management lacked of structure and organizational skills, up until the point that LI Event
Organiser and assistants had to create booking forms, spread sheets and monitoring reservations from LI
Office to ensure delegates were accommodated, charged and served as supposed

Communication with the Hotel were difficult from the beginning and remained as such with almost all the
departments up until the end; an excellent service was provided on site by one or two members of staff, but
it was not sufficient considering the delegation involved and all the logistic we required

Some members of the Secretariat expressed concern that the venue was too expensive and well above the
budget line of the organization. A 5 star hotels certainly gives a slim margin for discussion on price,
equipment / rental costs and catering services. Such an expensive venue can also be a major obstacle for
delegates who wish to attend, but are on a tight budget

It should also be noted that the Abidjan Congress was the most expensive LI Congress, despite
partner support and efforts to reduce costs including negotiating hotel prices in advance

CONCLUSIONS

LI should capitalize on the Congress sessions by implementing a monitoring policy on the resolutions
adopted; it should also devote a follow up session on all resolutions approved and before the next Congress
so that their impact and political influence can be assessed

LI Bureau members should monitor and follow up on them at the next congress

Setting expectations with regards to time management and delays at an early stage in the Congress
preparations. Furthermore, during the Congress these types of issues require more assertive leadership on
the side of both, LI Secretariat and the host organisation as well as clear communication and
responsibilities.

In the future all involved parties must agree on a program in advance and stick to it. Any
amendments to the programme originating from the host organisation should be communicated to the LI
Secretariat so action can be taken.

It would be ideal to have only one person responsible for the registration of delegates. It would be good
to start the registration of delegates months in advance, and to have a single registration process for all
delegates

29 | P a g e

Better management of the shuttle service and/or have several shuttles available to allow delegates to avoid
hours of waiting. If possible, have the Congress venue and delegates lodging at the same place or within
walking distance

There must be one person in charge from the beginning on each side (LI and Host side) who both keep
the communication flowing, and have the authority to take decisions without holding on others. More
thought should be given to the interaction with the host organisation, setting expectations and milestones at
an early stage.

Regular follow-up, internal and teleconference weekly meetings should be taking place so that all the
parties involved are kept in the loop about potential difficulties and can give input to find solutions.
Although a small team, LI Secretariat should assign also one of the Political staff members to follow up the
logistics together with LI Events Organiser, so that more than one person is fully knowledgeable about
everything. Earlier planning

The screening of conference rooms and hotel reservations needs to be done at least 8/9 months in
advance to the event and with the Events Organizer directly involved who will then be able to present a
detailed written report for consideration

Screening had to be consistent, include a budget estimate and a forecast that specify the level of financial
commitment and LIs expectations of the venue. This should have been done together with the
treasurer(s)

A written agreement of engagement with the local co-organiser establishing clear financial
responsibilities should have been drawn up. This would have avoided any inconvenience in setting the
bills.

The language barrier should also be noted, as well as difficulties in terms of time management

The original appointed person to organise the Congress (heading a team of three) on the host side was a
member of the office of the President. This unfortunately meant that the host organiser in practice did not
have much time available to spend on LI Congress preparations. A couple of months into the Congress
preparations, the assistant of the original organiser on the host side took over the Congress preparation
work in practice. This led to much improved communication and critical tasks started getting done (Mr. J.
Alain Ollo)

The logistics of this Congress was overall a success. However, in several occasions LI Team
experienced unnecessary delays; among all of them the lack of copying facilities - some members of the
team had to go outside the Hotel to make photocopies 2 hours before distributing amendments on
resolutions and having to deal with custom matters at the airport for an entire day (A. Fabiani with A.
Camara)

The use of Ipads in the communication between team members proved to be very helpful and led to great
responsiveness when a team member needed help.

30 | P a g e
 ANNEX

A. MEDIA COVERAGE: REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL

Senegal, December 2012 www.lequotidien.sn

International Chronique dune Anne Le Prsident Macky Sall est annonc au congrs de lInternationale
librale qui se tient partir daujourdhui (16 au 21 octobre), Abidjan. Le chef de lEtat a t invit par le Pr-
sident ivoirien, Alassane Ouattara. Dans les couloirs du palais du congrs, le leader de lAlliance pour la
Rpublique (Apr) va croiser la dlgation de son ancienne formation politique, le Parti dmocratique sngalais
(Pds). Macky Sall qui hsite affirmer ouvertement son appartenance la famille librale sngalaise partagera
ces deux jours avec Me Ousmane Ngom et Cie.

The Netherlands, 21/10/ 2012 www.telegraaf.nl

Van Baalen leidt liberalen langer

ABIDJAN Hans van Baalen, leider van de VVD in het Europees Parlement, is herkozen als president van de
Liberale Internationale. Deze organisatie verenigt 120 liberale partijen uit 75 landen, waaronder VVD en D66.
Van Baalen werd gekozen tijdens een partijbijeenkomst in Ivoorkust, meldde hij zondag. Bij zijn eerste twee
termijnen als president probeerde hij de organisatie uit te breiden. Volgens hem moet de Liberale Internationale
liberaler, internationaler en sterker worden. Politiek is geen tennisspel, maar rugby.

Ethiopia, 20/12/2012 www.ethiofact.com

EDP GRANTED THE STATUS OF OBSERVER MEMBERSHIP IN LIBERAL INTERNATIONAL
After careful consideration and deliberation, on the 58th Congress of Liberal International, which was held in
Abidjan (Cote dIvoire) on 19 October 2012, LI has unanimously decided to grant EDP the status of Observer
Member of the LI
Guinee, 17/10/2012 www.guinee58.com

58E CONGRS DE L'INTERNATIONALE LIBRALE ABIDJAN : SIDYA TOUR ET CELLOU DALEIN

DIALLO PARMI LES CONGRESSISTES
A limage de linternationale socialiste, les partis politiques sur les quatre coins de la plante obdience
librale sont regroups au sein de la fdration mondiale des partis politiques libraux sous le patronyme de
linternationale librale. Fonde en 1947 cette fdration tient son congrs de cette anne Abidjan sous
lgide du prsident ivoirien Alhassane Dramane Ouattara lhtel Ivoire sur le thme La politique de
dveloppement conomique avec un accent particulier sur la promotion de l'investissement priv et
l'amlioration de la responsabilit sociale. Ce congrs des libraux qui ont le vent en poupe dans les pays du
sud se tient du 17 au 21 Octobre 2012 Abidjan. Ce sont prs de 200 congressistes qui participent cet
vnement dont neuf chefs d'Etat et de gouvernement, de hautes personnalits du monde politique, conomique
et diplomatique qui tcheront de donner une vision du monde libral de demain corn par les crises
conomiques et financires dont la gense serait les aberrations du monde financier.

Taiwan, 03/11/2012 www.taiwannews.com

Liberal International President visits Taiwan ex-President Chen Shui-bian

At its congress in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, last month, the Liberal International, an association of more than 60
Liberal parties worldwide, passed a motion calling for medical parole for Chen. The former president is serving
17-and-a-half years in prison on corruption charges, but is currently staying at the Veterans General Hospital in
Taipei to recover from a deep depression

31 | P a g e
B. SATISFACTION SURVEY

1. What is your gender? / Quel est votre genre?

Male/Masclin
Female/Feminin
Do not wish to answer/Ne souhaite pas rpondre
2. Overall, I found this congress:/Dans l'ensemble, j'ai trouv ce congrs:
Excellent/inspiring/Excellent rapport qualit / inspirant
Very Good/Trs bien
Good/Bon
Poor/Pauvre
Bad/ Mauvais
3. Did you receive visa on arrival?/Avez-vous reu le visa l'arrive?
Yes/Oui
No/Non
I received visa at an Embassy/J'ai reu le visa dans une ambassade
I didn't need a visa/Je n'ai pas besoin d'un visa
4. Were you welcomed at the airport and transferred to the hotel?/Avez-vous t accueilli l'aroport et
transfert l'htel?
Excellent/inspiring/Excellent rapport qualit /Inspirante
Very Good/Trs bien
Good/Bon
Poor/Pauvre
Bad/Mauvais
5. Did you receive the Congress documents on time?/Avez-vous reu les documents du Congrs temps?
Yes/Oui
No/Non
I didn't have enough time/Je n'ai pas eu assez de temps
I didn't receive the documents/Je n'ai pas reu les documents

6. Did you use smart phone or tablet/iPad during the Congress for the Congress documents?/Avez-vous
utilis un smart phone ou tablette / iPad lors du Congrs pour les documents?
yes/Oui
No/Non
I plan to use in the futur/J'ai l'intention de l'utiliser dans le futur

7. Did you use LI Facebook page and Twitter for the Congress preparation and following?/Avez-vous
utilis LI page Facebook et Twitter pour la prparation du Congrs et suivants?
Yes/Oui
No/Non
I wasn't aware/Je n'tais pas au courant

8. How did you find the Congress registration in Abidjan?/Comment avez-vous trouv l'enregistrement
au Congrs dAbidjan?

32 | P a g e
 Excellent/Excellent
Very Good/Trs bien
Good/Bon
Poor/Pauvre
Bad/Mauvais

9. Did you participate at the study visits?/Avez-vous particip aux visites d'tude?
Yes/Oui
No/Non
10. Was the Study Visit 1 to La Page Blanche (The Center for Disabled Children) and UNOCI
Headquarters valuable?/Est ce que la visite d'tude 1 La Page Blanche (Le Centre pour enfants
handicaps) et le sige de l'ONUCI a t il eu de la valeur?
No/Non
To a certain extent/Dans une certaine mesure
Yes/Oui
Did not participate/N'a pas particip

11. Was the Study Visit 2 to the Center for the Promotion of Investment in Cote dIvoire (CEPICI) and the
Chamber of Commerce valuable?/Est ce que la visite d'tude 2 au Centre de Promotion de
l'Investissement en Cte d'Ivoire (CEPICI) et la Chambre de Commerce a til eu de la valeur?
No/Non
To a certain extent/Dans une certaine mesure
Yes/Oui
Did not participate/N'a pas particip
12. How did you find the EC meeting organised in the National Assembly?/Comment avez-vous trouv la
runion de CE organiser l'Assemble nationale?
Excellent idea/Excellente ide
Good idea/Bonne ide
Unnecessary complication/Complication inutile
Bad idea/Mauvaise ide
Did not attend/N'a pas assist

13. How satisfied were you with the Congress venue on a scale from 1 to 3?/Combien tes-vous satisfait du
lieu du Congrs sur une chelle de 1 3?
1- Not satisfied at all/Pas du tout satisfait
2- Satisfied only to a certain extent/Satisfaite dans une certaine mesure
3- Satisfied/satisfait

14. How did you find the Congress opening?/Comment avez-vous trouv l'ouverture du Congrs?
Excellent/inspiring/Excellent/inspirant
Very Good/Trs bien
Good/Bon
Poor/Pauvre
Bad/Mauvais

33 | P a g e
 15. Was the Congress theme reflected adequately in the respective panels/workhops?/Est ce que le thme
du Congrs reflt de manire adquate les ateliers et les panneaux respectifs?
No/Non
To a certain extent/Dans une certaine mesure
Yes/Oui
16. How would you rate the selection of the speakers for the Panel on "Achieving development & growth:
private investment vs. Aid" on a scale from 1 to 5?/Comment valueriez-vous la slection des orateurs
pour la discussion sur "la ralisation d'un dveloppement & croissance : l'investissement priv aide"
sur une chelle de 1 5?
1- Poor/Pauvre
2- Fair/Juste
3- Good/Bon
4- Very Good/Trs bien
5- Excellent/Excellent
- Did not participate/N'a pas particip
17. How would you rate the selection of the speakers for the Panel on "Can Africa be more competitive
than Asia or Latin America?" on a scale from 1 to 5? :/Comment valueriez-vous la slection des
orateurs pour la discussion sur " L'Afrique peut tre plus comptitif que l'Asie ou l'Amrique latine?"
sur une chelle de 1 5? :
1- Poor/Pauvre
2- Fair/Juste
3- Good/Bon
4- Very Good/Trs bien
5- Excellent/Excellent
- Did not participate/N'a pas particip

18. How would you rate the selection of the speakers of the LGBT Rights panel? Was the topic of the panel
addressed adequately?/Comment valueriez-vous la slection des orateurs du panneau droits des
LGBT ? Est ce que le thme du panneau a ete trait de manire adquate?
Not satisfied at all/Pas du tout satisfait
Satisfied only to a certain extent/Satisfaite que dans une certaine mesure
Satisfied/satisfait
Did not participate/N'a pas particip

19. How do you find the new Standing Orders with regards to resolution submission?/Comment trouvez-
vous le nouveau Rglement en ce qui concerne la presente rsolution?
Very good improvement/Trs bonne amlioration
Better then before/ Mieux qu avant
As nothing changed/Comme rien n'a chang
Not satisfied/Non satisfait

20. Did you have enough chances to interact with the representatives of the host party and ALN
delegates?/Avez-vous eu assez de chances pour interagir avec les reprsentants du parti hte et tous les
dlgus?
No/Non
To a certain extent/Dans une certaine mesure

34 | P a g e
 Yes/Oui
21. What do you suggest should be improved about the Congress from a political point of view? Please
elaborate./Que suggrez-vous, qui doit tre fait d'un point de vue politique pour amliorer le
Congrs? Veuillez donner des prcisions.

22. How would you rate the performance of the LI staff on a scale from 1 to 5?/Comment valuez-vous la
performance du personnel de IL sur une chelle de 1 5?
Poor/Pauvre
Fair/Juste
Good/Bon
Very Good/Trs bien
Excellent/Excellent
23. What do you suggest should be improved about the Congress from an organisational point of view?
Please elaborate./Que suggrez-vous, qui doit tre fait d'un point de vue organisationnel pour
amliorer le Congrs? Veuillez donner des precisions

24. Was a quality service provided for the participation fee?/Est-ce que pour les frais de participation un
service qualit a t fourni aux participations ?
No/Non
To a certain extent/Dans une certaine mesure
Yes/Oui

25. If you had to pick just one thing that made this Congress a valuable experience for you, what would
that be? Please elaborate it - Est-ce que pour les frais de participation un service qualit a t fourni
aux participations ?

35 | P a g e
C. SATISFACTION SURVEY - OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS

WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST SHOULD BE IMPROVED ABOUT THE CONGRESS FROM A POLITICAL POINT
OF VIEW?

1. Too many speeches, too long at times and not all accompanied by translations
2. Clarify the rules of procedure used to accept/dismiss resolutions to the Congress: who decides at the
moments and following what rules?
3. It seems that if you argue well enough, you're resolutions will be accepted even if they first get rejected
4. It seems strange that the staff gets to decide which resolutions to accept and which not.
5. Not enough time for political debate on the resolutions, it felt like the bureau and secretariat gave
resolutions and the discussion around them second priority
6. The follow up of the resolutions is very unclear - now resolutions at the congress are voted upon passed -
and so what? What does it really mean we take a stance on important topics and what happens once LI has
approved a resolution? Nothing at the moment it seems, and this feels bit pointless.
7. I would like to see a follow-up done to the next Congress: what have member parties done in their areas
and have the resolutions had an impact? Maybe the members of the bureau could have their own areas of
responsibility they follow? Thirdly, there should be more possibilities for interactive discussions. Now
there was too much listening and too long and too many speeches that did not interact with the audience.
8. I would like to see a change in the congress programme, so that resolutions are not the last point on the
programme on Friday and Saturday
9. Le Mali pays voisin de la Cte d'Ivoire avec des Otages occidentaux dtenus par Alquada, et c'est surtout
suite aux frappes de l'OTAN que les armes de Kadafi se sont retrouv dans les mains de Alkada.Tous les
libraux du Monde en Cte d'Ivoire un pas du Mali et aucun dbat, aucune vrais communication sur le
Mali, aucune solidarit, pratiquement rien. Si c'est cela les libraux? C'tait pathtique, dcevant et la
limite bizarre
10. There should be less resolutions. The vision of LI should be winning elections - getting liberals into
government not this middle class political theatres.
11. Regarding the amendments sessions, how can LI justly to call itself an international organisation when one
of the amendment sessions was in English only?
12. The chair of the resolutions session (as wonderful as he was) spoke so fast and with such technical
intensity that unless you have been going to these events all your life you would be excluded. Large
numbers of black and latino people barely spoke How disempowerment that felt.
13. The sound in the main room was awful, there was too much noise and no one took control to silence the
crowd over talking the session (apart from one occasions)
14. Did not even get the resolutions
15. There needs to be more experts present and greater detail in the debates.
16. More political discussion in smaller groups, so that no one feels hindered to speak up. Also I think an
opportunity has been missed to inform the delegates in-depth about the situation in Ivory Coast. Especially
those who missed the visit to the UN Headquarters have been missing out
17. Regional LI Organisations should present an overview on the political situation in their region during the
Congress
18. More small workshops, better balanced topics, have the workshops and panels also at the beginning of the
conference. These workshops and panels give opportunity to get to know people which will make it easier
to be in contact with other delegates. Secondly subjects discussed can get a follow-up during the
conference.

36 | P a g e
19. The panels on the last day was disappointing for certain participants who wanted to elaborate and discuss
some topics further but there was no time left due to departure-schedules
20. Including local (activists) in those workshops is also a very good idea. This gives an opportunity to build
network and contact outside the conference-hall with locals - this might even develop into an area of
outside contacts
21. Permettre aux pays qui ont de vrais problmes de s'exprimer aux del des problmes d'organisations et
financiers. Cesser de paratre comme si on ne sintresse qu'aux gagnants, ceux qui sont au pouvoir et
qui ont les moyens.
22. More best practice workshops on improving political and campaigning skills.
More time giving to political parties who have recently won an election to learn lessons.

WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST SHOULD BE IMPROVED ABOUT THE CONGRESS FROM AN

ORGANISATIONAL POINT OF VIEW?

1. The timings and locations need to be respected as per the programme and there should have been a greater
effort to achieve this
2. There needs to be greater leadership and initiative if things do not run to time. Time keeping in Abidjan
was terrible.
3. During congress, a meeting with the international officers attending should have been organised, for
networking purposes and to discuss current issues, share best practices and discuss the cooperation
between the parties and LI.
4. Well before a congress, the secretariat should approach the member parties, asking for their input for a few
workshops and suggested topics for them. This would allow time for the member parties to sit
down in smaller groups and discuss common challenges they are facing and share best practices.
5. A list of participants should have been provided timely
6. Stricter time management by moderators
7. More political discussions; more inclusive working groups (resolutions); more pointed and topical fringe
meetings or seminars (the last day was the best with the LGBT and digital freedom panels)
8. Les services du protocole ivoirien taient excessivement prsents, intrusifs, pratiquaient la "surveillance"
des dlgus, etc.
9. To avoid long queues registration could be made in different hotels. It saves time for more interaction
between delegates.
10. Coffee and tea during the whole day.
11. Le congrs est trop parpill, trop de choses en mme temps. Finalement le temps ne permet pas de traiter
tous les sujets en profondeurs. Il y a surcharge constamment et on cours derrire tous.
12. The staff is excellent, a great team. Every person went above and beyond and did it with class, compassion
and competence.
13. You pulled off a huge event with minimal resources and with the exception of the prelude to the opening
ceremony it went great.
14. Unfortunately unless the content of the political programme can match the organisational skill of the LI
team people will not get what they should out of it.
15. Less heads in the cloud idealism - more on the ground lets win elections. Less idealistic policy about
ridiculous topics that won't change one bit as a result of these debates, focus more on micro targeting of the
electorate.
16. Donner plus d'informations aux partis membres et s'encquerir de leur situation

37 | P a g e
17. I was impressed. Having a staff member solely responsible for participants affairs adequate information
on many issues ranging from accommodation, medical services, change of conference programme or
venue and the like.

IF YOU HAD TO PICK JUST ONE THING THAT MADE THIS CONGRESS A VALUABLE EXPERIENCE FOR
YOU, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?

1. Networking and meeting colleagues from around the world.

2. The visit to the UN headquarters
3. Having an LGBT Rights workshop in Africa
4. The digital freedom sessions
5. Strong LI and Host Party Leadership
6. Bon service mais peut tre amlior
7. The interaction and individual meetings were more productive.
8. The ALN which did not even surface initially in the information documents added value to the
conference.

ANY OTHER COMMENTS

1. Inefficacit totale du protocole ivoirien, incapable d'organiser un simple dplacement. corruption et

chantage l'aroport, etc
2. Include more small workshops and panels at the beginning of the conference
3. Quel sont les moyens de recours quand on se rend compte que le congrs a oublier quelques choses
d'important ? Ou bien ceux qui organisent le congrs sont infaillibles?? Il n'y a rien de prvu par l'IL.
C'est automatiquement un braquage et un dialogue de sourd. Dans la pratique celui qui semble tre la
pour dcider en ce moment est le SG Emil. Malgr sa disponibilit et sa grande comptence, on voit
qu'il ne peu pas toujours tout dcider, parce que cela dpasse ses seules responsabilits. Tenir le
Congrs en cte d'ivoire tais une trs bonne ide.

38 | P a g e
D. H OST P ARTY/PARTNER REFLECTION

Co-organiser/
organiser/ Rassemblement des Rpublicains (RDR) Cote dIvoire

Abidjan, le 11 Dcembre 2012

N 252 /CAB/RDR/DC/at

Le Secrtaire Gnral par Intrim

Prsident du Comit dOrganisation du Congrs de lInternationale Librale

Rf : votre courrier du 03/12/2012

Madame,
Comme suite votre courrier cit en rfrence, relatif lorganisation du 58e Congrs de lInternationale
Librale, du 17 au 21 octobre 2012 Abidjan, mes impressions et commentaires se situent au plan de
lorganisation et au plan des rsultats.

I- Au plan de lorganisation
Cest avec plaisir et responsabilit que jai assum le rle de Prsident du Comit dorganisation.

Cette organisation qui a permis au Congrs de se drouler dans les meilleures conditions a repos sur 14
commissions spcialises, savoir :

1. Commission Scurit
2. Commission Mobilisation et Coordination des volontaires
3. Commission Communication
4. Commission Transport et Logistique
5. Commission Restauration
6. Commission Hbergement
7. Commission NTIC
8. Commission Culture
9. Commission Sant
10. Commission Finances
11. Commission Accrditation et Invitations
12. Commission Accueil et Protocole
13. Le Comit scientifique
14. Le Secrtariat Technique

Toutes ces commissions ont travaill avec dvouement et professionnalisme la satisfaction gnrale. Une
mention spciale peut tre faite des dispositions
dispositions scuritaires et mdicales qui ont permis dviter toutes
sortes de dsagrments ou incidents majeurs

II- Au plan des rsultats

Au terme des sept (7) jours de travaux, notre parti le Rassemblement Des Rpublicains (RDR), se rjouit et se
flicite des rsultats obtenus. A ce titre, nous retenons :

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1- Le Prsident de la Rpublique de Cte dIvoire Son Excellence Monsieur Alassane OUATTARA a t
coopt par les libraux du monde comme le leader du libralisme en Afrique aprs le retrait du Prsident
Abdoulaye WADE de la scne politique.
2- La tenue de ce Congrs Abidjan constitue pour les ivoiriens un nouveau signe du retour de la confiance
des partenaires au dveloppement.
3- Le grand nombre et la qualit des participants ont t un motif de satisfaction pour notre pays et pour
notre parti
4- Llection de deux (2) des ntres dans les instances de lInternationale Librale (Madame KABA
FOFANA et Monsieur TOURE SIDI).
5- Les contributions remarquables des militants et militantes du RDR travers leur participation active aux
travaux et notamment les importantes communications faites par eux dans certains panels.
6- Ladoption du Manifeste Libral Africain qui constitue un brviaire pour les libraux africains. Ainsi
lAfrique dispose dune lettre de cadrage tant au plan de lidologie que des enjeux du libralisme.
7- Enfin, pour le RDR, il sagit dun challenge, celui de contribuer plus quavant la promotion du
libralisme en Cte dIvoire, en Afrique et dans le monde.
Tels sont les impressions et commentaires qui appellent de ma part lorganisation du 58e Congrs de
lInternationale Librale Abidjan.

Veuillez agrer, Madame, lassurance de ma considration distingue.

Le Ministre Amadou SOUMAHORO

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THE AFRICA LIBERAL NETWORK DELEGATES SUB
SUBMITTED THE FOLLOWING
FEEDBACK

The Congress was as a valuable opportunity for the Networks member parties to
gain wider access to the liberal family, the RDR, and the Ivorian government. As
such, the majority of participants came from the leadership of the ALN member
parties, improving the level of debate, interaction and follow
follow-up.

A large number of ALN delegates were able to attend as one from each member party was fully
fully-funded
by the Liberal Democrats WFD programme and Friedrich Naumann Foundation with the excepti
exception of
their registration at the Congress. Some parties even sent a second delegate at their own expense.

The ALN delegates were grateful to LI for once again allowing one representative per party to attend the
Congress for a discounted rate.

Furthermore, LII deserves credit for obtaining a discounted rate at the Hotel Ivoire, Tiama, Ibis and
Pullman.

The Congress venue was agreed to be superb with a world class auditorium for the opening and closing
ceremonies.

The speeches delivered during the opening and closing
closing were agreed to be interesting and stimulating. It is
good that these have been presented on the LI website; videos would have been welcome if they exist.

Africa Hour was agreed to be an excellent innovation and led to a greater discussion of African issues
than would have otherwise been the case.

The ALN delegates which attended fringe meetings organised by D66 and FNF were pleased with the
detailed discussion and participation (no delegates attended the LI HRC or field visits due to the
overlapping programme).

The Executive Committee meeting in the National Assembly and meals at restaurants in Abidjan were
agreed to be well-presented
presented and memorable and the Hotel du Golf especially so.

The agreement of the Ivorian government to issue letters in support of visa upon arrival was an excellent
endeavor and transpired to be a necessity in light of the sparse diplomatic representation overseas.

Overall, the event was a success from the ALN perspective and, on behalf of the network, I would like
to thank all off the staff and volunteers for their hard work in delivering the programme; however,
three key concerns were highlighted in the feedback which we received from participants.

Advanced registration for the Congress by the ALN delegates was poor. While the coordination
coordination between
the two offices went smoothly, the ALN delegates did not complete the necessary forms and send payment
details to the LI Secretariat by the agreed deadlines, despite repeated reminders to do so by the ALN
Secretariat. This caused additional
onal work during and after the event and therefore needs to be addressed by
both parties in future years. As the ALN Coordinator, my recommendation would be to have one single
registration system for all delegates. Rather than using forms which can be submitted
submitted without including all
the necessary information, registration would be most easily done online, much as most political parties do
for their delegate congresses. It could be integrated into the new LI website. An example of how the

UK Liberal Democrats
ts organise this can be seen here www.eventsforce.net/libdems/17/home

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During the Congress there were three major logistical challenges; despite the proactivity of the Congress
team and volunteers. Firstly, the printed programme and actual timings and locations were wildly different.
Frankly, the fact that the venues of events and the timings changed so radically from what was printed in
the programme is not really excusable, even for Africa. In future, all stakeholders need to agree a
programme in advance and stick to it. Many ALN participants were astonished that over a hundred
delegates waited around for one and a half hours following the opening ceremony, unable to get a cup of
coffee or a drink (despite the cups being there), and unaware when the formal programme would
recommence. Leadership was severely lacking in this regard as it seemed that no one knew what was
happening. Secondly, shuttles between the different hotels were not as readily available as they should
have been. Many delegates, including some VIPs, were left waiting for up to an hour just to return to their
hotel after a long day on their feet. Finally, the protocol seemed rather poorly organised. For instance, it
did not make sense for the outgoing ALN President, Dr Lamine B, to be seated at the top table during the
dinner at the Presidential Palace when his successor, Hon. Olivier Kamitatu, had been elected earlier that
day and was not extended the same courtesy. As the LI Secretariat were informed of this several hours
before the meal this seemed a significant oversight.

The actual Congress proceedings were described by some participants as lacking substance. Feedback from
ALN delegates noted that the panels were clichd and the resolutions lacked detail. Participants asked why
there were no experts available to speak on some of these subjects. In this regard, the theme rapport
seemed a particularly significant missed opportunity. Many delegates had to ask exactly what was meant
by the title of the rapport, and it was agreed that this was rather nebulous when it could have been summed
up under the banner of Corporate Social Responsibility; however, this may have been a translation issue.
Many delegates commented that if they had better understood the subject matter then they would have read
the report and perhaps proposed amendments. Furthermore, it is worth noting that Prof. Ibrahim Lipumba,
who was detailed on the programme as the interviewer, had not been asked /informed of this, or even sent
a copy of the report by the LI Secretariat. This was only resolved because it came up in conversation while
in Abidjan.

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