- NRO Council releases updated RIR governance draft for review
- Public can submit feedback by 7 November 2025
What happened: NRO Council seeks input on revised RIR governance framework
AFRINIC has published a consultation inviting feedback on the second draft of the “RIR Governance Document,” which updates the policy known as ICP-2. This follows an earlier consultation that ran from April to May, whose feedback shaped the revisions. The consultation opened on 2 September 2025 and will remain open until Friday 7 November 2025. Accompanying the draft will soon be a redline comparison and a summary of its changes to assist reviewers. Input will inform the NRO Number Council’s upcoming workshop scheduled for 12–14 November 2025.
Also read: How civil society in Mauritius protects AFRINIC’s constitutional foundations
Also read: What happens to communities when internet access is politicized
Why it’s important
The consultation comes at a sensitive time, as AFRINIC continues to face governance challenges. Under the Mauritius Companies Act, AFRINIC must follow its bylaws and legal framework rather than political instructions. The June 2025 board election was completed under court-mandated supervision and recognised as valid by independent observers. Questions raised about attempts to annul the results have fuelled wider concerns about political interference.
AFRINIC is structured as a membership-based non-profit organisation, not a government agency, and its accountability rests with members. Stakeholders warn that if one government can override election outcomes, other states may seek to do the same. The current consultation is therefore viewed as an important opportunity to reinforce transparency, protect member control, and uphold the rule of law across Africa’s Internet governance.
