Ivorian Minister and Vice-President of Liberal International, Sidi Tiémoko Touré, concluded a high-profile tour of Kenya and South Africa in late July and early August 2025, aimed at bolstering collaboration between liberal political forces across Africa.
The tour involved strategic discussions on governance, human rights, and inclusive development with leading political actors and regional institutions.
In Nairobi, Mr. Touré held a working session with the member parties of Liberal International (LI) in Africa. He also met with the leadership of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s regional office to review the political, social, and economic dynamics in East Africa.
“This meeting allowed us to take stock of the political, social, and economic dynamics in the region, as well as the threats to freedoms and human rights,” he said, highlighting the critical role of dialogue in advancing democracy.
Further engagements in Kenya included meetings with Honorable Martha Karua, President of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), where they examined both progress and ongoing pressures on civil liberties.
The following day, Mr. Touré was received by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, President of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), to explore strategic collaboration between ODM, Liberal International, and Côte d’Ivoire’s RHDP party.
Discussions focused on governance, transparency, and economic cooperation, particularly in food security.
“This meeting laid the foundations for a strategic collaboration between our institutions to promote strong African liberalism in the region and between our two countries,” Mr. Touré said.
The tour continued in South Africa, where Mr. Touré met with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Johannesburg office and senior members of the Democratic Alliance (DA), including Minister Solly Malatsi and ALN Vice-President Wendy Alexander.
Discussions centred on the state of freedoms since the DA entered government and ways to strengthen synergies among liberal actors, including the Alliance of Liberal Parliamentarians of Africa (AP-LAf) and the African Liberal Network (ALN).
“I remain convinced that the continued cooperation between the Friedrich Naumann Foundation and Liberal International will make a significant contribution to advancing democracy, the rule of law and human rights in southern Africa,” Mr. Touré stated.
The visit underscores a broader commitment to reinforce liberal networks, foster dialogue, and protect fundamental freedoms across the continent.
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