In a shocking turn of events, Zambia’s government has abruptly cancelled RightsCon 2026, the world’s largest conference on human rights and technology, just days before its scheduled start. Officials cited the need for the event to align with “national values,” a move widely interpreted as a blatant act of censorship. The summit, set to convene from 5 to 8 May in Lusaka, was expected to attract over 2,600 activists, technologists, and policymakers from around the globe, all eager to engage on critical issues surrounding digital rights and human freedoms.
A Sudden Withdrawal
Originally, the Zambian authorities had welcomed the RightsCon summit, a gathering aimed at addressing pressing topics such as online hate speech, internet shutdowns, the implications of artificial intelligence, and the growing concern of surveillance. However, last week, Thabo Kawana, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Information and Media, declared that the conference would not proceed. He stated that it was necessary to ensure the summit aligned with Zambia’s national values and policy priorities.
This decision has left many participants bewildered and outraged. Linda Kasonde, a prominent Zambian lawyer and civil society activist, expressed that the cancellation reflects a deteriorating respect for human rights in the country. “When the current administration came into power, they were a government of rule of law and democracy,” she remarked. “What we are seeing is a slow degradation of rights—of freedom of expression and the right to assemble.”
The Shadow of Political Pressure
Local media reports have suggested that external pressures, particularly from China, may have influenced the government’s decision. Several Taiwanese delegates were scheduled to attend the conference, and the venue itself was donated by Chinese authorities. Kasonde pointed out that the timing of the cancellation raises concerns, particularly with Zambia’s general elections approaching in August 2026. “The government has steadily been putting in place laws that make it easier to win and entrench power post-election,” she explained.
The abrupt cancellation has not only disrupted the plans of thousands of delegates who had prepared for months but has also dealt a severe blow to Zambia’s international reputation. “This was the first time RightsCon was being held in southern Africa, and it was a showcase for our region,” Kasonde lamented. “It really dents the image of our country.”
Voices Silenced
RightsCon’s organisers, Access Now, issued a statement decrying the last-minute cancellation, which they see as part of a broader trend of transnational repression targeting civil society. Their frustration is palpable: “What we and our community forcefully experienced is unprecedented and existential.” Many delegates had already arranged their travel and accommodations, only to have their efforts rendered moot.
Karna Kone from Côte d’Ivoire, who was slated to discuss digital censorship, expressed his dismay at the financial and logistical losses incurred. “Travelling from West Africa is very expensive and a lot of logistical work,” he said. “This was a chance to give voice to Francophone Africa. Now this conversation has been silenced.”
Chioma Agwuegbo, director of TechHer, echoed these sentiments, highlighting how the cancellation reflects an alarming trend of shrinking civic space across the continent. “These constraints silence voices and weaken ecosystems working to protect fundamental human rights, including the safety and dignity of women and girls online,” she stated.
A Dangerous Precedent
The implications of this cancellation extend beyond Zambia’s borders. Sibongile Ndashe, a South African lawyer and human rights activist, warned that if such cancellations become commonplace, it could severely hinder the ability of human rights groups to convene. “Restrictions on human rights harm those without power,” she cautioned.
The situation in Zambia serves as a stark reminder of the precarious state of human rights globally, particularly as governments increasingly weaponise compliance mechanisms to stifle dissent and suppress dialogue. The cancellation of RightsCon 2026 is not merely a logistical setback; it is a significant indicator of the systemic challenges faced by activists and organisations striving to uphold fundamental rights in an increasingly authoritarian landscape.
Why it Matters
The abrupt cancellation of RightsCon 2026 is emblematic of a troubling global trend where democratic dialogue and human rights advocacy are increasingly stifled. As governments, like Zambia’s, assert control over civil society under the guise of national values, the very fabric of democratic engagement is threatened. This incident not only highlights the fragility of human rights in Zambia but also serves as a cautionary tale for activists worldwide, reminding us that the fight for freedom and democracy is far from over.