By Joseph Mapalo Kamanga
The International Coalition for Democratic Renewal (ICDR), Democratic Solidarity Africa (DSA), and the Forum 2000 Foundation have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the sudden cancellation of RightsCon 2026 in Zambia. The summit, organized by Access Now, is widely regarded as the premier global platform for dialogue on digital rights, democracy, and the future of open societies. According to organizers, the event was set to host over 2,600 in-person participants and 1,100 online attendees, representing more than 150 countries and 750 institutions.
The groups pointed to credible reports suggesting the decision followed external pressure related to the participation of Taiwanese civil society representatives. This development has raised alarms about foreign interference and the export of authoritarian influence into international civic spaces. The coalition argues that the disruption not only undermines vital multistakeholder dialogue but also signals a troubling erosion of the principles of inclusion and the free exchange of ideas necessary for democratic resilience.
Describing the incident as a “wake-up call” for the international community, the organizations warned that using political and economic leverage to control civic space beyond national borders poses a direct challenge to human rights and the integrity of global forums. Standing in solidarity with Access Now and RightsCon participants, the Forum 2000 community is calling on governments and international partners to resist pressures that undermine fundamental rights and to work together to safeguard independent civic spaces worldwide.
©️Zambia Reports, 12 May 2026