……If motive behind the meeting aligns with the country values, why are they having difficulties disclosing the content?……
The Editor Zambia
The government should be commended for acting swiftly to prevent a summit that was going to promote activities that don’t align with “national values, policy priorities, and broader public interest considerations.” 
Disgruntled political elements are trying to paint a picture that the rights to freedom of expression and assembly in the country are being curtailed.
Well-coordinated and sponsored propagandists want to use the postponement of the global digital rights conference, RightsCon 2026, to push a narrative that Zambia’s democratic space is shrinking.
Whilst critics want to use propaganda to paint government black on freedom of expression, nonprofit watchdog Freedom House, ranks Zambia “free” on its 2025 Freedom on the Net index of digital rights and free expression.
People enjoy freedom of expression and freedom of assembly; they should be reminded that sections 155 and 157 of the Zambian Penal Code criminalise the same-sex acts they wanted to defend.
Analysts say the cancellation is justified and timely, asserting that Zambia must focus on its own economic recovery and poverty reduction rather than “imported debates” or external agendas such LGBTQ that may conflict with local culture.
Some opposition political party leaders want to make political mileage from this decision, which simply goes to show that they don’t mean well for the country, but are simply there to push personal interests.
If their motives and activities aligned with Zambian values, RightsCon organizer Access Now should not have difficulties explaining detailed programme and speaker at the event if they have nothing to hide.
Government simply demanded a ‘comprehensive disclosure of critical information’ to ensure alignment with ‘national values and policy priorities.
What was difficult to do a full disclosure of discussion topics?
Concealing details of the programme only goes to tell that there were more evil plans to talk about matters that do not align with national laws and values of the country as a Christian nation.
Alleging that Zambian government’s action raises serious concerns for human rights, especially the rights of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, is cheap politics.
RightsCon organizer Access Now should simply disclose the detailed programming of the event and its participants.
Government needs this information to align the gathering with ‘national procedures, diplomatic protocols, and the broader objective of fostering a balanced and consensus-driven platform for dialogue.
Politicians like Binwell Mpundu should be the last person to talk about rights of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly because he never used to allow people to express themselves when he was district commissioner in Kitwe.
The decision was made to allow for comprehensive disclosure of key issues expected to be discussed at the global event’ and to ensure the event ‘aligns with Zambia’s national values, policy priorities, and broader public interest.’
