In a surprising move, the Zambian government has announced the cancellation of RightsCon 2026, the world’s largest summit focused on human rights and technology, just days before its scheduled commencement in Lusaka. Officials cited the need for the conference to align with “national values”, a decision that has raised eyebrows and led to accusations of censorship from various quarters.
Last-Minute Decision Sparks Outrage
Originally slated to take place from 5-8 May, RightsCon 2026 was expected to draw over 2,600 participants, including activists, technologists, academics, and policymakers, all eager to engage in discussions surrounding pressing issues such as online hate speech, internet shutdowns, artificial intelligence, surveillance, and disinformation. However, Thabo Kawana, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Information and Media, stated that the government required additional time to ensure the conference’s alignment with Zambia’s policy priorities and broader public interests.
Linda Kasonde, a prominent Zambian lawyer and civil society advocate, condemned the cancellation as a blatant act of censorship, reflecting a disturbing trend towards the suppression of free expression and debate. Kasonde noted that the current administration, which initially promised to uphold democratic values, seems to be systematically eroding the very rights it vowed to protect. “What we are witnessing is a gradual decline in freedoms, particularly concerning expression and assembly,” she asserted.
Allegations of External Influence
Local reports have suggested that the decision to cancel the conference may have stemmed from pressures exerted by China, particularly due to the participation of Taiwanese delegates and the venue’s connection to Chinese sponsorship. The conference, now in its 14th year, was previously hosted in Taipei, where it received support from Taiwan’s vice-president.
Kasonde linked the cancellation to the upcoming general elections in August 2026, implying that the government is tightening its grip on civil society and dissenting voices as political manoeuvring intensifies. “The government has been steadily enacting laws that facilitate its electoral dominance while marginalising opposition parties and civil society,” she explained.
Global Reactions and Implications
The abrupt cancellation has not only disappointed many participants who had already made travel arrangements but has also raised concerns about Zambia’s international reputation. Access Now, the New York-based organisation behind RightsCon, expressed dismay at the unilateral decision, highlighting the broader implications of such actions for civil society globally. “This incident exemplifies the far-reaching effects of transnational repression, which severely limits the operational space for civil society,” the organisation stated.
Participants like Karna Kone from Côte d’Ivoire, who had prepared extensively for his participation, lamented the loss of opportunity for dialogue on important issues such as digital censorship. “This was an invaluable platform for sharing experiences and strategies to combat the online harassment faced by our members,” Kone remarked, highlighting the significance of global forums for advocacy.
Chioma Agwuegbo, the director of TechHer in Nigeria, echoed these sentiments, noting that the cancellation reflects a troubling trend of constraining civic space across Africa. “Such actions silence critical voices and undermine efforts to protect fundamental human rights,” she warned, pointing to the detrimental effects on women’s safety and dignity online.
A Broader Context of Human Rights Challenges
The decision to cancel RightsCon 2026 is emblematic of a worrying pattern in which governments increasingly resort to censorship and suppression of dissent, particularly in contexts where civil liberties are under siege. Sibongile Ndashe, a South African human rights lawyer, cautioned that if this trend continues, it will become increasingly difficult for human rights groups to convene and advocate for their causes. “Normalising the cancellation of such conferences poses a grave threat to those without power,” she stated, underlining the precariousness of human rights advocacy in the region.
The implications of this cancellation extend beyond Zambia, serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by civil society in maintaining their operational spaces in the face of governmental pressure.
Why it Matters
The unexpected cancellation of RightsCon 2026 not only undermines Zambia’s commitment to human rights but also sets a concerning precedent for civil society in Africa and beyond. As governments increasingly prioritise control over open dialogue, the repercussions for civic engagement and the protection of fundamental rights are profound. The loss of such a vital platform for discussion and collaboration leaves a significant void in the global human rights landscape, raising urgent questions about the future of activism and advocacy in an era marked by repression and censorship.
