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In a disheartening turn of events, the Zambian government has cancelled the RightsCon 2026 summit, the world’s largest conference dedicated to human rights and technology. Originally set to take place from May 5 to 8 in Lusaka, the decision comes just days before the event, with officials citing a misalignment with the nation’s values. This cancellation has raised alarm among activists and observers, who view it as a significant blow to free expression and civil society engagement in the country.
Government Justification and Criticism
Zambia’s Ministry of Information and Media announced the cancellation, asserting that the summit did not align with Zambia’s “national values, policy priorities, and broader public interest considerations.” This rationale has been met with widespread criticism, particularly as over 2,600 delegates—comprising activists, academics, and policymakers—were poised to address pressing issues such as online harassment, digital surveillance, and the militarisation of technology.
Linda Kasonde, a prominent Zambian lawyer and civil rights advocate, expressed her dismay, stating, “When the current administration came into power, they were a government of rule of law and democracy. What we are seeing is a slow degradation of rights—of freedom of expression and the right to assemble.” She suggested that the cancellation may be politically motivated, linked to the upcoming general elections in August 2026, during which the government is believed to be tightening its grip on dissent and public assembly.
Concerns Over External Influences
There are growing concerns that external pressures, particularly from China, may have played a role in the abrupt cancellation. Reports indicate that delegates from Taiwan were expected to participate, and the venue for the summit had been provided by Chinese donors. The timing of this decision raises questions about the influence of foreign nations on Zambia’s domestic policies and its commitment to upholding human rights.
Kasonde noted the significance of hosting RightsCon in southern Africa, highlighting the potential for the event to showcase the region’s commitment to human rights. “This was the first time RightsCon was being held in southern Africa and it was a showcase for our region,” she lamented.
The Impact on Civil Society and Activism
The cancellation of RightsCon is not merely a logistical setback; it represents a broader trend of diminishing civic space across Africa. Activists from various sectors have expressed their disappointment, noting that the summit was a rare opportunity for collaboration and dialogue on human rights issues, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations.
Karna Kone, an activist from Côte d’Ivoire, described the logistical challenges he faced in preparing for the conference, pointing out that the cancellation not only incurs financial losses but also silences critical conversations about reproductive health and online safety. He explained, “RightsCon was one of very few global spaces we could connect and share our work. Now this conversation has been silenced.”
Chioma Agwuegbo, director of TechHer, a Nigerian organisation focused on empowering young women in technology, echoed these sentiments. She remarked, “These constraints silence voices and weaken ecosystems working to protect fundamental human rights, including the safety and dignity of women and girls online.” The cancellation of such an important summit raises concerns about the future of civil society in Zambia and the region at large.
A Precedent for Future Censorship
The implications of this cancellation extend beyond the immediate disappointment felt by the delegates and organisers. Sibongile Ndashe, a South African lawyer and human rights activist, warned that if the cancellation of conferences becomes a norm, it sets a dangerous precedent for the operational space of human rights organisations. “Restrictions on human rights harm those without power,” she asserted, highlighting the disproportionate impact on marginalised communities.
As the global community watches closely, the decision to cancel RightsCon serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression and the necessity for civil society to remain vigilant in the face of political repression.
Why it Matters
The abrupt cancellation of the RightsCon 2026 summit underscores a worrying trend of increasing censorship and governmental control over civil society in Zambia. This incident not only threatens the country’s international image but also undermines the vital discussions and collaborations necessary for advancing human rights, particularly at a time when such issues are more crucial than ever. As Zambia gears up for elections, the actions of its government may very well set the tone for the future of democracy and civil liberties within its borders.
