In a significant setback for civil society and human rights advocacy, Zambia’s government has abruptly cancelled the RightsCon 2026 conference, the world’s largest gathering focused on human rights and technology. Scheduled to take place in Lusaka from 5 to 8 May, the decision was announced just days before the event, with officials citing a lack of alignment with “national values” as the reason—a move that critics have condemned as censorship and a violation of free expression.
Government’s Justification for Cancellation
The Zambian authorities initially welcomed the RightsCon summit, which was expected to attract over 2,600 participants, including activists, technologists, and academics. However, Thabo Kawana, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Information and Media, declared that the gathering would not proceed to ensure it aligns with “Zambia’s national values, policy priorities, and broader public interest considerations.” This shift has raised eyebrows and sparked outrage among proponents of free speech and human rights.
Linda Kasonde, a prominent Zambian lawyer and civil society leader, described the cancellation as indicative of a troubling trend towards the erosion of civic freedoms. “When the current administration came to power, it presented itself as a champion of rule of law and democracy. What we are witnessing now is a gradual decline in rights, particularly regarding freedom of expression and assembly,” she stated. Kasonde further suggested that the decision may be politically motivated, coinciding with Zambia’s upcoming general elections in August 2026, during which the government may seek to consolidate its power.
Implications for Civil Society
The decision to cancel RightsCon has drawn sharp criticism from both local and international observers. Activists argue that the move is emblematic of a broader strategy to stifle dissent and suppress open dialogue. The conference, which has been held annually for 14 years, was lauded for addressing critical issues such as online hate, digital surveillance, and the militarisation of technology at a time when democratic rights are under siege.
Access Now, the New York-based organiser of RightsCon, expressed its disappointment over the abrupt cancellation, emphasising that the decision undermined months of collaboration and transparency efforts with the Zambian government. “This unilateral move illustrates the lengths to which transnational repression can reach, effectively shrinking the spaces in which civil society can operate,” the organisation stated.
Impact on Delegates and Broader Discourse
The fallout from the cancellation extends beyond logistical inconveniences; many delegates had already committed significant resources to attend the summit. Karna Kone, an expert from Côte d’Ivoire, lamented the lost opportunity for essential discourse, particularly regarding digital censorship and reproductive rights. “For us, RightsCon was one of the few global platforms to share our experiences and advocate for our members who face online harassment,” Kone lamented.
Chioma Agwuegbo, director of the Nigerian organisation TechHer, echoed these sentiments, noting that the cancellation reflects a growing trend of diminishing civic space across Africa. “Such actions silence essential voices and detract from the ecosystems striving to uphold fundamental human rights, especially for vulnerable groups,” she warned.
A Dangerous Precedent
The implications of this cancellation resonate deeply within the human rights community, as it sets a concerning precedent for future gatherings. Sibongile Ndashe, a South African lawyer and activist, cautioned that normalising the cancellation of conferences could lead to a further constriction of spaces for human rights advocacy. “If these restrictions become commonplace, it will be the most marginalised who suffer the most,” she warned.
Moreover, the irony of shutting down a conference dedicated to promoting rights and participation in digital spaces has not gone unnoticed. As the discourse surrounding sexual and reproductive health rights becomes increasingly contentious, the need for platforms like RightsCon is more critical than ever.
Why it Matters
The abrupt cancellation of RightsCon 2026 not only undermines Zambia’s international reputation as a democratic nation, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the fragile state of civil liberties in the region. As governments across Africa grapple with the complexities of digital rights and civic engagement, the shrinking spaces for dialogue threaten to stifle progress and empower authoritarian tendencies. The world is watching, and the response to this incident may well determine the future of human rights advocacy in Zambia and beyond.