The advocacy group Access Now says its flagship human rights conference has been called off at the last minute following pressure from China on the government of Zambia. 

In a statement, Access Now said the 2026 edition of RightsCon, a long-running gathering focused on digital rights, was due to begin in the capital, Lusaka, but has now been cancelled. The group alleges that Chinese diplomats exerted pressure over the planned participation of Taiwanese civil society representatives.

 Lulu Gaboo spoke to Naro Omo-Osagie, Africa Policy and Advocacy Manager at Access Now.