In a surprising turn of events, Zambia’s government has cancelled the upcoming RightsCon 2026 conference, slated to be the largest global gathering on human rights and technology, just days before its scheduled start. Organisers received notice that the summit, set to take place from 5-8 May in Lusaka, was deemed incompatible with the nation’s “national values”. This decision has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns over the state of civil liberties in the country.
Last-Minute Cancellation
Initially, the Zambian administration had welcomed the RightsCon summit, which aimed to address critical issues such as digital rights, online harassment, and the implications of artificial intelligence on civil liberties. However, the abrupt cancellation has been attributed to the need for the event to align with Zambia’s policy priorities and broader public interests, as stated by Thabo Kawana, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Information and Media.
The event was expected to attract over 2,600 participants, including activists, academics, and policymakers from around the globe. It was to provide a platform for discussions on pressing issues such as internet censorship, digital surveillance, and the militarisation of technology—a theme particularly pertinent in an era where democratic rights are increasingly under threat.
Censorship Concerns
Legal experts and human rights advocates have characterised the cancellation as a blatant act of censorship, indicative of a broader trend of suppressing legitimate discourse within the country. Prominent Zambian lawyer Linda Kasonde, who founded the LCK Freedom Foundation, expressed deep concern over the decision, viewing it as a significant setback for the nation’s democratic ideals.
Kasonde suggested that the cancellation might be politically motivated, particularly with national elections scheduled for August 2026. She highlighted that the government has been systematically implementing measures that restrict public assembly and debate, thus enhancing its grip on power. “This was a showcase for our region, and it is unfortunate that it is being silenced,” she lamented.
Allegations of External Influence
Reports from local media have indicated that pressure from China may have influenced the Zambian government’s decision, particularly as several delegates from Taiwan were set to attend the summit. The venue for RightsCon was also provided by a Chinese entity, further complicating the political landscape surrounding the event.
RightsCon’s organisers, Access Now, expressed their dismay at the unilateral cancellation, asserting that they had worked closely with government representatives for months to ensure a transparent planning process. “The manner in which this decision was made demonstrates the extent of transnational repression targeting civil society,” they stated, highlighting the existential risks facing human rights advocates amidst an increasingly hostile environment.
Voices Silenced
The abrupt cancellation has left many delegates, who had invested time and resources in preparing for the conference, grappling with logistical and financial repercussions. Karna Kone from Côte d’Ivoire, who planned to discuss digital censorship, expressed his frustration over the lost opportunity to engage with fellow activists. “This was a chance to amplify voices from Francophone Africa, and now that conversation has been muted,” he remarked.
Chioma Agwuegbo, director of TechHer in Nigeria, echoed these sentiments, noting that events like RightsCon are crucial for fostering dialogue and developing solutions to pressing challenges facing women and girls in technology. She lamented the broader implications of such cancellations, which threaten to stifle advocacy and diminish safe spaces for dialogue.
A Dangerous Precedent
The Zambian government’s actions have raised alarms among human rights defenders across the continent. Sibongile Ndashe, a South African lawyer and activist, warned that normalising the cancellation of conferences could progressively hinder the ability of human rights groups to convene and operate effectively. “Restrictions on human rights disproportionately affect those without power,” she cautioned, emphasising that such actions could set a worrying precedent for civil liberties in Zambia and beyond.
Why it Matters
The cancellation of RightsCon 2026 highlights a troubling trend in Zambia, where governmental constraints on civil society are increasingly prevalent. As global attention turns to the implications of technology on human rights, the Zambian government’s decision underscores the delicate balance between maintaining national values and upholding fundamental freedoms. This incident not only tarnishes Zambia’s international reputation but also signals a potential retreat from democratic norms, posing significant challenges for activists and citizens advocating for their rights in a digital age.