The Postponement of RightsCon in Zambia: A Blow to Advocacy and Digital Rights
Felix Mutati, MP, Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, in a 2025 photo. Earlier this week, Mutati announced the government would seek to ‘postpone’ RightsCon just days before it was set to begin.
RightsCon, a prominent global gathering focused on the intersection of human rights and technology, was set to kick off in Lusaka, Zambia, on May 5, drawing thousands of advocates, technologists, and policymakers. Yet, just days before the event, Zambian government officials delivered the shocking announcement that the conference would be postponed.
The Announcement and Immediate Reactions
Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, cited the need to align the event with Zambia’s national values and policy priorities. This decision left many participants, some already en route to the conference, puzzled and disappointed. RightsCon organizers quickly announced that the event would “not proceed” and advised registered participants against traveling to Lusaka.
Initial Optimism: Government Support Just Weeks Before
Just a month prior, Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science expressed optimism about the event. A government representative highlighted its alignment with the nation’s development goals and welcomed RightsCon as an opportunity for dialogue and growth. The ministry even showcased images of RightsCon director Nikki Gladstone briefing local officials, fostering an atmosphere of anticipation and cooperation.
The Political Background
The timing of the postponement is significant, occurring just three months before Zambia’s general elections scheduled for August 13. President Hakainde Hichilema, who assumed office in 2021, is seeking reelection amidst growing concerns over government expansion and potential electoral manipulation. Recent legislative changes have sparked criticism regarding freedom of expression and digital rights, leading to heightened awareness around the nature of the Zambian political environment.
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Concerns Over Digital Policy and Freedom of Expression
Zambia’s digital policies have attracted scrutiny, especially following the introduction of new laws that experts warn may lead to increased government surveillance and censorship. Blogs and platforms advocating for digital rights, like Bloggers of Zambia, have voiced opposition to these legislative measures, painting a stark picture of the current online atmosphere in the nation.
According to the nonprofit watchdog Freedom House, Zambia holds a “partly free” ranking on its 2025 Freedom on the Net index, highlighting serious issues regarding online expression. The repression of critical voices has resulted in imprisonment and harassment, raising alarms about the safety and freedom of journalists and activists alike.
Global Solidarity and Disappointment
The aftermath of the government’s decision saw a wave of disappointment from the global community. Participants took to social media to back Access Now, the advocacy organization behind RightsCon, expressing solidarity and bewilderment at the cancellation. Notably, many emphasized the importance of gathering for discussions on human rights, technology, and democracy.
Prominent voices from various organizations echoed this sentiment, with Aliya Bhatia from the Center for Democracy and Technology lamenting the lost opportunity for African voices to convene on human rights issues. Mahsa Alimardani, an advocate from WITNESS, noted the implications of such government actions as a severe threat to civil society.
The Broader Context: Increasing Barriers for Advocacy
RightsCon’s postponement is not an isolated incident. The conference has faced mounting challenges in recent years, including increased geopolitical tensions and funding cutbacks affecting organizations focused on digital rights and freedoms. The announcement comes at a time when travel restrictions for individuals from Global Majority countries have further complicated participation in global dialogues on human rights.
Past RightsCon events have provided a platform for civil society leaders to navigate an increasingly hostile environment, dealing with not just political attacks but also the psychological toll of ongoing repression. As they continue to confront these issues, the community remains determined to advocate for digital freedom and human rights, despite facing significant barriers.
Final Thoughts
The postponement of RightsCon in Zambia sheds light on the complex interplay between local governance and global advocacy efforts. It underscores the critical need for consistent dialogue and collaboration in the pursuit of human rights, particularly in regions where such freedoms are under threat. As the world watches and waits, the consequences of this event will likely resonate far beyond Zambia’s borders.
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