First Day of the Founding General Assembly of the African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress (ADAFP)

Casablanca, February 13, 2026

The first day of the founding General Assembly of the African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress (ADAFP) was successfully held in Casablanca under the theme: “Building Democracy and Progress Across Africa.”

The opening ceremony brought together eminent political leaders, party presidents, delegates, and guests from across the continent, marking a historic milestone in the consolidation of structured continental democratic cooperation.

The inaugural session was opened and presided over by Dr. Hakima El Haïte, President of the Organizing Committee, Honoray President of Liberal International, and former Minister. In her opening remarks, she emphasized the importance of structured cooperation between democratic forces and stressed the strategic necessity of institutional solidarity to defend constitutional governance in Africa.

Following the formal opening, the floor was given to several high-level speakers:

* Hon. Mohand Laenser, President of the Mouvement Populaire (the host party) and former Minister of State. He reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to political pluralism and the strengthening of African partnerships.

* Mr. Isaac Charia, President of the Moroccan Liberal Party.

* Mr. ElHabib Eldaqqaqq, Member of the Political Bureau of the Constitutional Union.

* Mr. Stevens Mokgalapa, Head of International Relations for Build One South Africa (BOSA).

The keynote address, titled “The Spirit of African Freedom and Progress in the 21st Century,” was delivered by Eng. Mohamed Aqab (National Trend, Sudan). He called for a shift from traditional notions of liberation toward a solid anchoring of institutional governance, asserting that political independence remains incomplete without institutional accountability.

During the thematic panels, several prominent figures contributed to the debates on democratic consolidation:

* Hon. Olivier Kamitatu (Ensemble pour la République, DRC), former President of the National Assembly.

* Dr. Khadija El Morabit, President of the International Network of Liberal Women.

* Mr. Adil Abdel Aati, Advisor to Sudan of the Future.

* Hon. Mmusi Maimane, Leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA).

These sessions reflected a shared commitment to promoting responsible governance and inclusive economic reforms across the continent.

Following in-depth deliberations, the General Assembly formally adopted two institutional pillars:

* The Casablanca Declaration

* The ADAFP Governance Charter (Constitution)

Election of the Executive Committee (2026–2029)

The Assembly elected the leadership of the Alliance for a three-year term:

* President: Hon. Mmusi Maimane (BOSA, South Africa)

* Vice-Presidents: Mr. Nabil Adel (MP, Morocco) and Mr. Mouhamadou Faye (LDR, Senegal)

* Secretary General: Mr. Eddie D. Jarwolo (Naymote, Liberia)

* Deputy Secretary General: Mr. Adil Abdel Aati (Sudan of the Future)

* Treasurer: Ms. Amal Awad Mukhtar Nasir (UPT, Chad)

* Deputy Treasurer: Mr. Kader Makanera (UFR, Guinea-Conakry)

To ensure the permanence of the Alliance’s values, a Council of Elders was appointed for a ten-year term, composed of:

* Dr. Hakima El Haïte (Morocco)

* Dr. Lamine Ba (Senegal)

* Hon. Olivier Kamitatu (DRC)

* Hon. Johan Van Hecke (Belgium/Uganda)

The day concluded with an address by the newly elected President, Mmusi Maimane, followed by a cultural dinner hosted by the Mouvement Populaire, the lead host party.

The adoption of the founding documents and the election of a representative leadership officially establish the ADAFP as a major platform for cooperation in Africa.

The General Assembly will continue its work tomorrow with further deliberations and interventions from members.

End of Press Release