AFRINIC
Cloud Innovation calls for ‘Immediate designation of a successor RIR’ after AFRINIC wind-up petition
Cloud Innovation urges ICANN and NRO to urgently appoint a successor RIR as AFRINIC faces potential legal liquidation.
Headline
Cloud Innovation urges ICANN and NRO to urgently appoint a successor RIR as AFRINIC faces potential legal liquidation.
Context
Cloud Innovation has issued a formal appeal for the “immediate designation of a successor Regional Internet Registry (RIR) ” following the Mauritian government’s move to seek AFRINIC’s judicial liquidation. The company, one of AFRINIC’s largest members, warned that the current legal impasse could lead to severe disruptions in internet resource management across Africa if not addressed promptly. The company pointed out that AFRINIC’s inability to operate legally or process transactions has already caused critical delays in service. Without a functioning board or executive authority, AFRINIC has remained inoperative for months. Cloud Innovation stated that a contingency plan must be developed in cooperation with ICANN and the Number Resource Organization (NRO) to ensure continuity in resource distribution and coordination.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
In its communication to ICANN and NRO, Cloud Innovation urged international internet governance bodies to begin preparing for a possible transition of AFRINIC’s responsibilities. While the future of AFRINIC remains in the hands of the Mauritian courts, the company emphasised that global internet stability demands pre-emptive coordination rather than reactive measures. The suggestion did not specify which RIR should assume interim responsibilities, but it encouraged discussion around structured options that maintain service continuity. Cloud Innovation’s proposal has sparked wider debate in the African internet community, with some viewing the suggestion as timely given AFRINIC’s prolonged paralysis. Though the issue is sensitive, the need for clear planning in the event of a registry failure has become increasingly difficult to ignore. Also read: Cloud Innovation supports ICANN’s move to derecognise AFRINIC, calls for successor to be immediately identified Also read: ICANN’s quiet power grab: ICP-2 compliance document raises alarms amid AFRINIC crisis With AFRINIC frozen, operators across the continent are left without essential registry services including IP address assignments, WHOIS updates, and abuse handling. Cloud Innovation noted that this situation, if left unresolved, could weaken the technical integrity of Africa’s internet infrastructure.
Key Points
- Cloud Innovation urges ICANN and NRO to prepare a transition plan amid AFRINIC’s uncertain future
- Company raises concerns about operational continuity and potential risks to African networks
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
