In a shocking turn of events, Zambia’s government has abruptly cancelled RightsCon 2026, the world’s largest summit on human rights and technology, mere days before its scheduled commencement in Lusaka. The Zambian authorities cited the conference’s misalignment with “national values” as the reason behind their decision. This move has sparked outrage among activists and stakeholders who view it as a blatant act of censorship and a troubling signal of increasing governmental repression.
A Last-Minute Cancellation
Initially, the Zambian government had expressed enthusiasm for hosting RightsCon 2026, a gathering set to address pressing issues such as online hate, the militarisation of technology, AI, and disinformation in the digital age. Set to take place from May 5 to 8, the summit was expected to draw over 2,600 participants, including activists, technologists, and policymakers from around the globe.
However, as the event drew nearer, Thabo Kawana, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information and Media, announced that the conference would not proceed, claiming it was essential to ensure that the gathering aligns with national priorities and public interests. This unexpected decision raised eyebrows and ignited speculation regarding external influences, particularly concerning the anticipated attendance of Taiwanese delegates amid reported pressure from China.
Voices of Dissent
The fallout from the cancellation has been swift and sharp. Linda Kasonde, a prominent Zambian lawyer and civil rights advocate, condemned the government’s decision, stating that it reflects a troubling trend in the degradation of democratic norms and freedoms in Zambia. “When this administration took power, it promised to uphold the rule of law and democracy. Instead, we are witnessing a gradual erosion of rights, particularly freedom of expression and assembly,” Kasonde remarked.
She further linked the cancellation to the upcoming August 2026 general elections, suggesting that the government is systematically tightening its grip on power and stifling dissenting voices. “The timing of this decision is telling; it seems designed to prevent political parties and civil society from gathering and organising,” she added, underscoring the negative implications for Zambia’s international reputation.
The Global Implications
RightsCon, now in its 14th year, serves as a vital platform for discussions on digital rights and freedoms, especially at a time when such issues are increasingly under threat worldwide. The New York-based organising body, Access Now, expressed profound disappointment over the unilateral cancellation, highlighting the extensive planning that had gone into the event over the past year. “This decision is indicative of the pervasive nature of transnational repression aimed at civil society,” the organisation stated, calling it a “troubling precedent.”
Many delegates, who had already secured travel arrangements and accommodations, expressed their frustration and dismay. Karna Kone from Côte d’Ivoire lamented the logistical hurdles he had overcome to attend, emphasising that RightsCon was a rare opportunity to share critical insights on digital censorship affecting reproductive health rights. “This was not just a conference; it was a lifeline for many of us working in challenging environments,” Kone stated.
Chioma Agwuegbo, director of the Nigerian organisation TechHer, also highlighted the significance of the event, which was intended to foster solutions to critical challenges facing women and girls in technology. “At a time when civic spaces across the continent are shrinking, this incident exemplifies a broader pattern of silencing voices and stifling dialogue,” she warned.
The Broader Context
The cancellation of RightsCon 2026 is not an isolated incident but rather part of a concerning trend where governments increasingly weaponise compliance mechanisms to restrict civil society engagement. Sibongile Ndashe, a South African human rights lawyer, cautioned that if such cancellations become commonplace, it would severely hinder the ability of human rights organisations to convene and advocate for those without power.
As Zambia’s political landscape shifts, the implications of this decision could resonate far beyond its borders, affecting the discourse on human rights and freedoms across the African continent.
Why it Matters
The cancellation of RightsCon 2026 is a significant setback for human rights advocacy and a stark reminder of the fragile state of civil liberties in Zambia. As governments across the globe grapple with the challenges posed by digital technology and its impact on human rights, Zambia’s decision signals a retreat from open dialogue at a time when such conversations are critically needed. The event’s abrupt cancellation not only silences important discussions but also raises alarm bells about the future of democratic freedoms in a country poised for elections. In an era where every voice matters, the implications of this decision echo far beyond Lusaka, threatening to stifle the global discourse on rights in the digital age.
