• AFRINIC’s ongoing crisis reveals deep flaws in its governance, and the Mauritian government’s attempts to override court decisions add to the instability.
• This threatens Africa’s IP resources and undermines bottom-up internet governance.

AFRINIC’s governance crisis and its fallout

AFRINIC, Africa’s regional internet registry, faces a severe governance breakdown. The 2025 board election was annulled over a proxy vote dispute, and valid votes were discarded. These actions highlighted the unworkable election standards and triggered eroded trust in AFRINIC’s management.

This situation worsens with government interference in the legal disputes surrounding AFRINIC. The Mauritian government has attempted to overrule court decisions that favour a transparent and democratic election process. Experts argue that the government’s actions are unconstitutional and undermine the rule of law, destabilising African internet governance.

Also read: Cloud Innovation calls for AFRINIC wind-up after ‘impossible’ election standards

The critical need for a stable constitutional framework

AFRINIC can only survive if it operates within a stable constitutional ecosystem in Mauritius. Mauritian courts have ruled in favour of a more democratic process at AFRINIC. However, the government’s attempts to overrule these rulings weaken both the legal system and AFRINIC’s ability to manage Africa’s IP resources.

This undermines Africa’s autonomy over its digital infrastructure and could prevent the continent from controlling its internet governance. AFRINIC’s dysfunction, combined with constitutional challenges, places Africa’s digital future in jeopardy.

Also read: The role of citizens in shaping Mauritius’ constitution and AFRINIC’s accountability

The role of ICANN and the push for a new RIR

In response, Cloud Innovation Ltd., AFRINIC’s third-largest member, has called for dissolving AFRINIC. The company argues that the registry’s governance has become fundamentally broken, requiring a complete reset to ensure Africa’s IP resources are properly managed. Cloud Innovation has also called for ICANN and the NRO to immediately appoint a new RIR.

At the same time, ICANN’s intervention continues to spark controversy. Some see it as a much-needed fix, while others view it as a quiet power grab that undermines Africa’s bottom-up governance. ICANN’s CEO, Lindqvist, pushes a global agenda that disregards Africa’s unique needs.

Also read: The role of the Mauritian judiciary in mediating AFRINIC-related conflicts

Restoring integrity to African governance

AFRINIC’s crisis is more than just an internal issue; it’s a constitutional problem that threatens Africa’s digital sovereignty. The Mauritian government’s actions undermine trust in governance and hinder efforts to restore AFRINIC’s legitimacy.

A strong constitutional framework in Mauritius is essential to ensure AFRINIC’s future and safeguard Africa’s control over its internet resources. Without it, AFRINIC’s collapse will continue, and external forces will further weaken Africa’s ability to manage its own digital future.