(NAIROBI, May 01, 2026) - The African Editors Forum condemns, in the strongest terms, the Zambian Government’s heavy-handed action that forced the cancellation of RightsCon 2026 in Lusaka, only days before thousands of delegates were expected to gather for a critical global conversation on digital rights, human rights, free expression, and democratic accountability.
The language of “postponement” cannot disguise the truth. This was state pressure dressed as procedure. Any demand that a rights conference align with official “national values” turns the state into the arbiter of legitimate speech and should alarm every defender of democracy.
Zambia had invited the world, and Africa had rallied behind Zambia. What was shaping up as a major continental success has instead become a painful embarrassment and a deep let-down to Zambian civil society, journalists, digital rights defenders, young people, activists, and all Africans who had supported Zambia’s hosting.
TAEF stands in full solidarity with all well-meaning comrades in Zambia who have been so badly let down by their government.
Editors of Africa will never support the muzzling of any voice. We do not defend speech because we agree with all of it. We defend it because democracy demands that societies hear, test, contest, and answer all voices in the public square.
In solidarity with Zambian citizens of conscience, the global digital rights community, and all well-meaning citizens of the world, TAEF confirms that it will boycott the planned convenings in Lusaka. This boycott is not against the people of Zambia. It is for them.
TAEF calls on the Zambian Government to give a full and honest account of the circumstances that led to this cancellation, apologise to the organisers and partners, and provide credible guarantees that Zambia remains committed to freedom of expression, assembly, media freedom, digital rights, and open civic debate.
Africa does not need governments that host the world with one hand and silence it with the other.
For and on behalf of The Africa Editors Forum
CHURCHILL OTIENO, TAEF PRESIDENT
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About The African Editors Forum (TAEF)
The Africa Editors Forum (TAEF) is a continental network of editors, senior newsroom leaders, and media executives committed to strengthening independent journalism and advancing media freedom across Africa. TAEF works to promote ethical standards, defend press freedom, deepen professional solidarity, and support editorial innovation in response to the evolving political, economic, and technological landscape shaping the continent. Through convenings such as the Africa Editors Congress and strategic partnerships with regional and global institutions, TAEF provides a platform for dialogue on journalism’s role in democracy, development, and African agency in emerging domains. The Forum also champions fair compensation for journalism as a public good, newsroom resilience in the digital age, and collaborative responses to threats facing journalists and media organisations. TAEF serves as a collective voice for Africa’s editors, advancing a journalism culture rooted in independence, public interest, and lasting excellence.