ASF France Slams Zambia Over Sudden Cancellation of RightsCon 2026

By Christiana Nnaemeka

Frontières France has condemned the abrupt cancellation of RightsCon 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia, describing the move as a violation of fundamental human rights.
The organisation said the summit, scheduled to begin on May 5, was called off just days before its commencement after the Zambian government withdrew support, citing unspecified “administrative and security clearances.”
According to ASF France, Access Now, the event’s convening body, confirmed that the decision followed diplomatic pressure from China over the planned participation of Taiwanese civil society groups.
The group noted that the cancellation denied more than 2,600 in-person and 1,100 virtual participants from over 150 countries the right to freedom of assembly and association, as provided under International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
ASF France also said the action undermined freedom of expression, stressing that RightsCon serves as a global platform for activists, journalists and technology experts addressing digital repression.
It warned that the development could set a precedent for foreign influence over civic engagements in Africa, potentially shrinking civic space and undermining national sovereignty.
The organisation described the cancellation as a missed opportunity for Zambia to host the first-ever RightsCon in Sub-Saharan Africa and position itself as a leader in digital rights and governance. It added that the decision could have economic implications for Lusaka’s hospitality and service sectors.
ASF France expressed solidarity with Access Now, event participants and partners affected by the disruption, and commended the organisers for prioritising safety and transparency.
It called on the Zambian government to provide a full public explanation and ensure that future human rights events are protected from external interference. The group also urged the African Union and Southern African Development Community to safeguard civic space across the continent.
Despite the cancellation, ASF France said efforts to promote an open and rights-respecting digital space would continue.