Lusaka, Zambia — The Campaign for Hong Kong has penned a letter to Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, seeking clarity following the sudden cancellation of RightsCon 2026, a prestigious digital rights summit originally scheduled to be held in Lusaka from May 5th to 8th.
The letter, obtained by Impulsradio, expresses disappointment over the government’s decision, which was characterized as a “postponement” but resulted in the event’s outright cancellation.
The Campaign for Hong Kong’s Samuel Chu emphasized the lack of clarity provided by the government’s official statements, which cited the need for “alignment with national values,” “security and administrative clearances,” and “further consultations” as reasons for the cancellation. Chu also highlighted the discrepancy between the government’s characterization and the practical outcome, noting that the event will not proceed in Zambia or online.
The abrupt cancellation has drawn criticism from several human rights defenders and global civil rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which has joined 132 other organizations in denouncing the government’s decision.
The Campaign for Hong Kong’s letter also points out the tangible consequences of the cancellation, affecting participants who had already secured travel arrangements and prepared contributions. Chu’s letter seeks specific clarifications, including an account of the “security and administrative” concerns, the precise issues requiring “alignment with national values,” and an explanation for the discrepancy between the government’s framing and the reality of the Summit’s cancellation.
Additionally, Chu requests a timeline and conditions for future hosting, as well as an explanation regarding any external influences on the decision.
The cancellation of RightsCon 2026 in Zambia underscores the challenges faced by digital rights advocates and the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression in the digital age.
As the situation unfolds, the international community awaits the Zambian government’s response and calls for transparency and accountability.
*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
