International Greens Call for Democracy and Green Action

The continent is ready for democracy and sustainable development, said Frank Habineza, founder and chairman of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and president of the African Green Federation.

Frank Habiniza is Founding President: Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Chairperson, African Greens Federation.

(WASHINGTON DC) - Over 600 participants from 70 countries met in Dakar, Senegal, 29th March - 1st April, for the first ever Global Green Congress held in Africa (www.dakar2012.org) and tackled issues such as solidarity, democracy, biodiversity, climate change, and the future of the Global Greens parties.

This Global Greens gathering was preceded by the 2nd African Greens Congress on 28th and 29th March 2012, which was supported by Green Forum Sweden and the 3rd Global Young Greens Congress, from 27th-29th March 2012.

Global Greens condemned the military coup-d’état that took place on 22 March 2012 in Mali and called for the protection and restoration of the national constitution of 25th February 1992. The immediate and unconditional release of all political and military prisoners, respect of all civil liberties and the organisation of free and transparent elections.

Greens also condemned the political discrimination against women in the Arab world.

They committed themselves to intervene effectively to support the legalisation of Green Parties that have not been officially registered in their home countries. The special focus was put on Rwanda and Senator Bob Brown, Leader of Australian Greens, promised to visit Kigali soon.

Greens also agreed to the implementation of transitional justice in order to achieve national reconciliation and ensure democratic governance in post conflict countries.

- Sweden will continue to support democratic governance in Africa and the rest of the world. The Swedish Green Forum and Green Party stands for peace and we shall continue to be an agent of change, said Eva Goës, Chairperson of Green Forum Sweden and Europe Vice Coordinator, Global Greens.

- Africa has proved itself as an engine for change that is both sustainable and green, this has been made clear by the people of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. The continent is ready for democracy and sustainable development, said Frank Habineza, founder and chairman of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and president of the African Green Federation.

Frank HABINEZA
Founding President
Democratic Green Party of Rwanda
Chairperson, African Greens Federation

Submitted by: Jennifer Fierberg, MSW; a correspondent, Assistant Editor, and Volunteer Coordinator for NGO News Africa through the volunteer project of the UN. and Salem-News.com. Jennifer is also the media co-coordinator and senior funding executive for The Africa Global Village (www.africaglobalvillage.com)