The Zambian government has abruptly cancelled RightsCon 2026, the world’s largest human rights and technology summit, mere days before its scheduled commencement in Lusaka. Officials stated that the event, set to run from May 5 to 8, did not resonate with the nation’s “values,” leading to widespread allegations of censorship and political maneuvering in the face of upcoming elections.
A Last-Minute Decision
Originally, the Zambian administration extended a warm welcome to the RightsCon conference, which was expected to draw over 2,600 activists, technologists, and policymakers from around the globe. However, Thabo Kawana, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Information and Media, announced the cancellation last week, citing the need for the gathering to reflect the country’s national priorities and public interests.
The summit was intended to spotlight critical issues such as online hate speech, internet blackouts, artificial intelligence, surveillance, and the ongoing threats to civil liberties, particularly concerning women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. With such pressing topics on the agenda, the government’s withdrawal raises alarms about its commitment to human rights and democratic values.
Allegations of Foreign Influence
Reports suggest that external pressures—specifically from China—may have influenced the decision to cancel the summit. Notably, a contingent of delegates from Taiwan was scheduled to participate, and the venue for the conference was provided by Chinese sponsors. This development has sparked a fierce debate regarding the influence of foreign powers on Zambia’s domestic policies and its implications for civil society.
Linda Kasonde, a respected Zambian lawyer and civil rights advocate, expressed her dismay at the cancellation, labelling it a severe blow to the nation’s reputation. Kasonde highlighted that the current administration, which initially championed democracy and rule of law, is now exhibiting signs of an alarming regression concerning human rights and freedoms. “We are witnessing a gradual erosion of rights to free expression and assembly,” she stated.
Implications for Activists and Civil Society
The cancellation has far-reaching consequences for those who had committed significant time and resources to attend. Many delegates had already secured visas and booked travel, only to see their efforts rendered null and void. Karna Kone, an activist from Côte d’Ivoire, lamented the lost opportunity to engage in vital discussions, particularly about online safety for members of his coalition, which focuses on reproductive health rights.
“This was one of the few platforms where we could voice our concerns and share our work. Now, that conversation has been silenced,” Kone remarked. Similarly, Chioma Agwuegbo, director of TechHer in Nigeria, highlighted the growing trend of constraining civic space across Africa, asserting that such restrictions undermine efforts to address critical societal issues, particularly those affecting women and girls.
The Broader Context
This cancellation occurs in a politically charged atmosphere as Zambia approaches its general elections in August 2026. Kasonde pointed out that the government has been systematically enacting laws that bolster its power while stifling dissent. The RightsCon summit, having never before been hosted in southern Africa, was seen as an opportunity to showcase the region’s commitment to human rights on a global stage.
The New York-based organising body, Access Now, condemned the unilateral decision, stressing that it exemplifies a worrying trend of transnational repression targeting civil society. They had worked closely with Zambian officials for months to ensure a transparent and collaborative planning process, only to be met with this last-minute cancellation.
Why it Matters
The abrupt decision to cancel RightsCon 2026 signifies more than just a logistical setback; it underscores a troubling pattern of governmental repression that threatens the very fabric of civil liberties in Zambia. As the nation gears up for elections, the implications of this cancellation resonate deeply within the broader struggle for human rights across Africa. The silencing of critical dialogue not only weakens the fight for democratic freedoms but also emboldens oppressive regimes, marking a worrying trajectory for nations grappling with similar challenges.
