In a dramatic turn of events, the Zambian government has abruptly cancelled the RightsCon 2026 conference, the world’s premier gathering focused on human rights and technology, just days before its commencement. Scheduled to take place in Lusaka from 5-8 May, the summit was expected to attract over 2,600 activists, technologists, and policymakers from around the globe. Officials stated that the cancellation was due to concerns that the event did not align with “national values,” sparking widespread criticism and allegations of censorship.
Government’s Justification
Thabo Kawana, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Information and Media, announced the government’s decision, citing the need to ensure that the conference aligns with Zambia’s policy priorities and broader public interest. Originally, the summit was welcomed as an opportunity to engage in crucial discussions around digital rights, including issues such as online hate speech, internet shutdowns, and the use of artificial intelligence in surveillance.
However, the sudden withdrawal of support has raised eyebrows, particularly given the timing and the government’s previous involvement in the planning stages of the event. The announcement has led many to speculate about external influences, particularly from China, which donated the venue for the conference and has a vested interest in curbing Taiwan’s international presence. Reports indicate that several delegates from Taiwan were slated to attend, further complicating the political landscape surrounding the summit.
Responses from Human Rights Advocates
The cancellation has drawn strong condemnation from human rights advocates, who view it as a blatant act of censorship that undermines freedom of expression. Linda Kasonde, a prominent Zambian lawyer and founder of the LCK Freedom Foundation, characterised the move as indicative of a broader trend of rights suppression in Zambia. She argued that the current administration, which had initially promised to uphold democratic values, is now systematically eroding them in the lead-up to the general elections scheduled for August 2026.
Kasonde emphasised that this event was not only significant for Zambia but also for the entire Southern African region, marking the first instance of RightsCon being hosted in this area. “It really dents the image of our country,” she noted, lamenting the lost opportunity for Zambia to showcase its commitment to human rights on a global stage.
International Reactions and Implications
Access Now, the New York-based organisation responsible for organising RightsCon, expressed disappointment with the government’s unilateral decision. In a statement, the group highlighted the extensive planning that had gone into the conference and warned that such actions reflect a worrying trend of transnational repression against civil society. With many delegates having already incurred travel expenses and logistical arrangements, the cancellation represents not only a financial loss but also a significant setback for the discourse surrounding human rights and technology.
Karna Kone, an advocate from Côte d’Ivoire, voiced frustration over the logistical challenges faced in attending the summit, stating, “It was a loss in terms of money and energy.” Kone’s work focuses on reproductive health issues, which were to be highlighted during the conference—a vital platform for addressing the harassment faced by his members.
Chioma Agwuegbo, director of TechHer in Nigeria, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of such conferences for organisations tackling urgent challenges in the tech and human rights spaces. “These constraints silence voices,” she said, referencing the growing trend of limiting civic engagement across the continent.
Concerns Over Human Rights Landscape
The cancellation of RightsCon 2026 has broader implications for the human rights landscape in Zambia and beyond. Sibongile Ndashe, a South African lawyer and human rights activist, warned that if such cancellations become the norm, it could significantly hinder the ability of rights groups to convene and advocate for their causes. “Restrictions on human rights harm those without power,” she articulated, highlighting the risks faced by marginalised communities.
Martha Dimitratou, director of Repro Uncensored, pointed out the irony of shutting down a conference dedicated to enhancing rights and participation in digital spaces. As discussions around online censorship and the rights to sexual and reproductive health are increasingly vital, the cancellation signals a troubling trend of diminishing spaces for dialogue and dissent.
Why it Matters
The abrupt cancellation of RightsCon 2026 not only reflects the Zambian government’s shifting stance on human rights but also raises alarms about the broader implications for civil society in Africa. As political tensions escalate ahead of the upcoming elections, the incident serves as a cautionary tale of the lengths to which governments may go to stifle dissent and control narratives. In a world where digital rights are increasingly under siege, the silencing of vital conversations at such summits could have detrimental effects on global efforts to uphold human rights and democratic values.
