In a surprising turn of events, the Zambian government has abruptly cancelled the upcoming RightsCon 2026 conference, a significant global gathering focused on human rights in the digital age. Scheduled to take place in Lusaka from May 5 to 8, the decision has been met with widespread condemnation and is seen as a troubling sign for civil liberties in the country.
Government’s Justification for Cancellation
Initially, the Zambian authorities had expressed support for the RightsCon summit, which was expected to attract over 2,600 delegates, including activists, technologists, academics, and policymakers. The conference aimed to address critical issues such as online hate speech, internet shutdowns, artificial intelligence, surveillance, and disinformation, particularly during a time when rights related to democracy, women, and LGBTQ+ communities are under increasing threat.
However, Thabo Kawana, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Information and Media, announced last week that the government decided to block the event, claiming it did not align with the “national values” or policy priorities of Zambia. This last-minute cancellation has raised serious concerns about the government’s commitment to free expression and assembly.
Allegations of External Pressure
Reports circulating within Zambia suggest that the decision may have been influenced by external pressures, particularly from China. The conference was to be held at a venue provided by the Chinese government, and a notable contingent of delegates from Taiwan was expected to attend. This has led to speculation that the Zambian administration is attempting to appease Chinese interests by curtailing discussions that could be perceived as politically sensitive.
Linda Kasonde, a prominent Zambian lawyer and civil society advocate, expressed her disappointment, stating, “This is a blatant act of censorship that reflects a degradation of rights in our country.” She pointed out that the cancellation coincides with Zambia’s upcoming general elections in August 2026, during which the government has been enacting laws that appear to restrict political discourse and dissent.
The Impact on Civil Society
The abrupt cancellation of RightsCon represents a significant loss for many stakeholders, particularly those from vulnerable communities. Delegates had already made travel arrangements, incurring considerable expenses in the process. Karna Kone from Côte d’Ivoire, who was set to participate in a discussion on digital censorship, lamented the missed opportunity for collaboration and dialogue. He noted, “Our members face online harassment and physical threats. RightsCon was one of the few platforms where we could connect and share our work.”
Chioma Agwuegbo, director of TechHer, a Nigerian organisation dedicated to empowering girls in technology, echoed these sentiments. She characterised the cancellation as indicative of a broader trend of shrinking civic space across Africa, where compliance mechanisms are increasingly weaponised to suppress dialogue and dissent.
Voices Silenced
The fallout from this decision extends beyond the immediate loss of the conference. Many speakers were prepared to address crucial topics related to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), an area that remains contentious in many parts of Africa. Martha Dimitratou, director of Repro Uncensored, highlighted the irony of a conference dedicated to promoting rights being silenced in such a manner.
Sibongile Ndashe, a South African lawyer and human rights activist, warned that normalising the cancellation of conferences could have dire consequences for human rights advocacy. “If this trend continues, it will become progressively harder for human rights groups to convene,” she stated, underscoring the precarious nature of civic freedoms in the region.
Why it Matters
The cancellation of RightsCon 2026 is not just a setback for Zambia but a troubling signal for the future of human rights discourse across the continent. As governments increasingly resort to censorship to control the narrative, the ability for civil society to engage in meaningful dialogue is severely compromised. This event’s cancellation underscores the urgent need for vigilance and advocacy to protect the spaces necessary for free expression and the pursuit of justice in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
