In a shocking move, Zambia’s government has abruptly cancelled the RightsCon 2026 conference, the world’s largest summit on human rights and technology, just days before its scheduled opening in Lusaka. The government cited a lack of alignment with “national values” as the reason behind this decision, igniting fierce criticism from activists and civil society organisations alike. The cancellation raises serious concerns about the future of free speech and civil liberties in a country already grappling with increasing restrictions on dissent.
A Sudden Withdrawal
Originally set to take place from May 5 to 8, the RightsCon summit was poised to bring together over 2,600 delegates, including activists, technologists, academics, and policymakers. Participants were expected to engage in vital discussions surrounding pressing issues such as online hate speech, internet censorship, artificial intelligence, and the militarisation of technology—topics that resonate particularly in an era when democratic freedoms, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ protections are under siege.
Thabo Kawana, Zambia’s permanent secretary for the Ministry of Information and Media, announced the cancellation, stating that the event would not proceed to allow for alignment with “Zambia’s national values, policy priorities, and broader public interest considerations.” Yet, many observers suspect that external pressures, particularly from China, played a significant role in this last-minute decision. Notably, several delegates from Taiwan were slated to attend the conference, which was to be held in a venue provided by China.
Voices of Dissent
The cancellation has been met with outrage from human rights advocates. Linda Kasonde, a prominent Zambian lawyer and civil society activist, condemned the government’s actions as a blatant act of censorship. “When the current administration came into power, they were a government of rule of law and democracy. What we are seeing is a slow degradation of rights—of freedom of expression and the right to assemble,” she asserted. Kasonde linked the decision to the upcoming general elections in August 2026, suggesting that the government is deliberately stifling public discourse to consolidate its power.
“This was the first time RightsCon was to be held in southern Africa and would have showcased our region,” she lamented. The abrupt cancellation not only undermines Zambia’s international reputation but also highlights a troubling trend of governmental overreach in curtailing civil liberties.
A Blow to Activism
The ripple effects of this cancellation extend far beyond administrative logistics. Many participants had already secured travel arrangements and invested significant resources in preparation for the summit. Karna Kone from Côte d’Ivoire, who was scheduled to speak on digital censorship, remarked, “Travelling from West Africa is very expensive, and a lot of logistical work. It’s a loss in terms of money and of energy.” Kone emphasised that the event was crucial for his organisation, which focuses on reproductive health rights, and that the cancellation effectively silenced a vital conversation.
Chioma Agwuegbo, director of Nigeria’s TechHer, echoed these sentiments, noting that RightsCon offered a unique platform for organisations to devise solutions to urgent issues. “These constraints silence voices,” she stated, drawing attention to the broader implications for civil society across the continent as civic spaces continue to shrink under repressive regimes.
A Dangerous Precedent
The cancellation of RightsCon sets a worrying precedent for the future of human rights advocacy in Zambia and beyond. Sibongile Ndashe, a South African lawyer and human rights activist, warned that if the cancellation of conferences becomes commonplace, it will progressively hinder the ability of human rights groups to convene and engage in meaningful dialogue. “Restrictions on human rights harm those without power,” she asserted, highlighting the precarious position of marginalised communities who rely on such platforms for advocacy.
The decision to cancel the conference has not only drawn ire from local activists but also raised alarms on an international scale. The New York-based organisation Access Now, which organised RightsCon, expressed deep disappointment, labelling the unilateral decision as a manifestation of transnational repression targeting civil society. “What we and our community forcefully experienced is unprecedented and existential,” they stated.
Why it Matters
The abrupt cancellation of RightsCon 2026 is more than just a logistical setback; it represents a significant threat to the principles of free expression and democratic discourse in Zambia. As the government tightens its grip on civil society, the implications extend far beyond the borders of Zambia, sending a chilling message to activists and organisations globally. In an age where human rights are increasingly under threat, the silencing of critical conversations about technology and rights could have dire consequences for those already living on the margins. The world is watching, and the stakes have never been higher.