The Zambian government has cancelled RightsCon — the world's largest conference on human rights and technology — just days before it was due to begin in the capital, Lusaka, on 5–8 May. Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said the gathering needed more time to ensure it aligned with "Zambia's national values, policy priorities, and broader public interest considerations," a move that left more than 2,600 registered activists, technologists, academics and policymakers scrambling after already booking travel. Organisers Access Now, a New York-based digital rights group, called the last-minute decision evidence of "transnational repression," while Zambian civil society figures warned it reflected a broader pre-election crackdown on free assembly; Zambian media reports have suggested possible pressure from China, as Taiwanese delegates were among those registered and the venue was Chinese-donated.