Zambia’s RightsCon Cancellation Raises Questions on Digital Rights and National Values. Lusaka, Zambia – 2026-04-30 In a surprising development, the Zambian government has cancelled the RightsCon 2026 summit, the world’s premier digital rights gathering, which was scheduled to be held from May 5-8 in Lusaka.
The official reason for the cancellation is the summit’s perceived lack of alignment with national values, along with security concerns.
The RightsCon summit, a significant event in the digital rights calendar, typically attracts researchers, policy experts, digital rights advocates, and human rights activists from across the globe. This year’s event was particularly notable as it was set to be the first time the summit would be held in Africa, offering a platform to amplify discussions on digital rights across the continent.
In a press statement, the Zambian Ministry of Information and Media mentioned the need for comprehensive disclosure of critical information related to the summit’s thematic issues as the reason for its postponement.
However, the statement did not elaborate on the nature of these issues or why they were considered to be in conflict with national values. Nikki Gladstone, executive director of Access Now, the main organiser of RightsCon, confirmed the cancellation in an email to participants and followers, expressing deep regret and understanding of the inconvenience caused to those with travel plans.
The cancellation has sparked concern among digital rights stakeholders, with some, including the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, viewing it as a violation of the rights to freedom of assembly, association, and expression. Gina Romero, the Special Rapporteur, noted that the measure is a strategic obstruction of the digital rights community’s most vital assembly.
According to sources cited by News Diggers, the cancellation was also due to the involvement of Taiwanese delegates who were expected to speak against China, a venue donated by the Chinese government, and the upcoming general elections in August 2026. Despite the cancellation, the digital rights community remains committed to advocating for fundamental human rights and holding governments accountable for their actions.
The Net Rights Coalition (NRC) and other digital rights stakeholders have called on the Zambian government to reconsider its decision and uphold the principles of freedom of expression and digital rights.
The cancellation of RightsCon in Zambia has underscored the global debate on the state of digital rights and freedom of expression, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding these rights as the digital age continues to evolve.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Panafricanvisions
Source: Pan African Visions
