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Zambia has taken the controversial step of cancelling the highly anticipated RightsCon 2026 summit, which was scheduled to take place in Lusaka from 5-8 May. The Zambian authorities cited a misalignment with “national values” as the reason for this sudden decision, just days before the event’s commencement. This move has drawn significant criticism from human rights advocates who view it as an affront to freedom of expression and an attempt to suppress crucial discussions about human rights in the digital era.
Sudden Cancellation Raises Eyebrows
Initially, the Zambian government expressed enthusiasm for hosting RightsCon, the largest global conference focusing on human rights and technology. The event was expected to draw over 2,600 participants, including activists, technologists, academics, and policymakers eager to engage in critical conversations surrounding topics such as online hate speech, surveillance, artificial intelligence, and the broader implications of technology on human rights.
However, Thabo Kawana, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Information & Media, announced the cancellation last week, asserting that the government needed to ensure the conference aligns with national interests—a statement that has raised eyebrows both domestically and internationally.
Concerns of External Influences
Reports within Zambia suggest that the decision may have been influenced by diplomatic pressures, particularly from China. The venue for the summit was provided through Chinese sponsorship, and delegates from Taiwan were also expected to attend. This has led to speculation that geopolitical considerations played a significant role in the government’s abrupt reversal.
Linda Kasonde, a prominent Zambian lawyer and civil society figure, articulated her dismay at the cancellation, calling it a blatant act of censorship. She highlighted the current administration’s gradual erosion of democratic principles and fundamental rights since taking office. “This was supposed to be a landmark event for southern Africa, showcasing our region’s capacity to host discussions about pressing global issues,” Kasonde lamented.
A Blow to Civil Society
The cancellation of RightsCon represents a significant setback for Zambia’s civil society, especially as it was the first time the conference was to be held in southern Africa. Many delegates had already committed financially and logistically to participate in this vital dialogue.
Karna Kone, an activist from Côte d’Ivoire, expressed frustration over the lost opportunity. “The costs associated with travelling from West Africa are substantial, and the work to secure a visa was extensive. This cancellation is not only a financial loss but also represents a silencing of critical conversations about digital censorship and the rights of vulnerable communities,” he stated.
Chioma Agwuegbo, director of the Nigerian organisation TechHer, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that the conference offered a rare platform for addressing the challenges faced by women and girls in technology. She cautioned that such cancellations reflect a broader trend of diminishing civic space across the continent, where dialogue and dissent are increasingly stifled.
Implications for Future Engagement
The abrupt cancellation has raised alarms about the future of civil society engagements in Zambia and beyond. RightsCon organisers, Access Now, condemned the government’s decision, labelling it as a manifestation of transnational repression. They expressed concern over the growing difficulties civil society faces in convening and participating in meaningful discussions, particularly at a time when such dialogues are critically needed.
Martha Dimitratou, director of Repro Uncensored, pointed out the irony of shutting down a conference dedicated to promoting rights and participation in digital spaces. The decision not only stifles essential conversations but also sets a dangerous precedent for the governance of civil society engagements moving forward.
Why it Matters
The cancellation of RightsCon 2026 is not merely an isolated incident; it is emblematic of a troubling trend where governments are increasingly curtailing spaces for civil society and suppressing discourse on human rights. As Zambia approaches its general elections in August 2026, the implications of such actions could resonate far beyond the immediate impact of this conference, potentially leading to a broader erosion of democratic freedoms and civic engagement in the region. The international community must remain vigilant and responsive to these developments, as the consequences of silencing voices can reverberate across borders, undermining the very foundations of democratic governance.
