The Association for Localised Interests Progressive Party has become the first Namibian political party to join the African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress, a continental political alliance founded in Morocco earlier this year.
This means the Asoli party can now participate in activities outside Namibia through the alliance, marking historical significance.
Asoli president Josef Kauandenge on Sunday said the newly formed party was delighted to join the alliance, describing it as an opportunity to learn from established political parties across Africa and strengthen its organisational structures.
The African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress was founded in Casablanca, Morocco, on 13 and 14 February and has grown to 46 members comprising political parties and civic organisations from 24 African countries across the continent’s five regions.
The alliance promotes liberal, democratic and progressive politics and describes its approach as a ‘third way’ philosophy, combining individual liberty, innovation and open markets with social justice, equity and inclusion.
Kauandenge said Asoli would use its membership to participate in meetings and conferences across the continent and gain exposure to best practices in political organisation and governance.
“As a newly formed political party, we will surely travel and attend various meetings and conferences across the continent in order to learn from the best practices of already well-established political parties, so as to perfect our organisational machinery back home,” he said.
The alliance is led by Mmusi Maimane of South Africa’s Build One South Africa as president.
The alliance’s leadership includes Senegal’s Mahamadou Faye as first deputy president, Morocco’s Adel Nabil as second deputy president, Liberia’s Eddie Jarwolo as secretary general, Sudan’s Adil Aati as deputy secretary general, and Guinea’s Kader Makanera as acting treasurer.
Kauandenge said the alliance brings together “well-read and astute politicians” from across Africa.
