- Cloud Innovation says receiver appointment is critical for AFRINIC’s governance and stability.
- AFRINIC sets election date for June 23, 2025, after years of legal and organizational turmoil.
Cloud Innovation, an IP management service for Africa, has issued a public statement fully supporting the Mauritius Supreme Court’s recent confirmation of Mr. Gowtamsingh Dabee as the official receiver of AFRINIC—the Regional Internet Registry (RIR) for Africa.
In its letter published on Cloud Innovation’s website, the company reaffirmed its commitment to seeing AFRINIC continue to allocate IP addresses around the African continent to ensure the growth of businesses in the African internet community.
“Cloud Innovation remains committed to the stability and success of the organization, and we believe that maintaining effective daily operations during this period of receivership is of paramount importance,” it said.
The letter also outlines the company’s confidence in Mr. Dabee’s stewardship and emphasizes its commitment to cooperating with the receiver to ensure AFRINIC continues to serve the continent’s internet community effectively.
“We welcome your appointment… and look forward to working with you in a collaborative and constructive manner,” the letter reads.
“We welcome your appointment… and look forward to working with you in a collaborative and constructive manner. Cloud Innovation remains committed to the stability and success of the organization.”
Cloud Innovation
The show of support comes as AFRINIC prepares for board elections scheduled for June 23, 2025, after a prolonged governance crisis that has left the organization without a functioning board for over two years.
Also read: What is AFRINIC?
Also read: Supreme Court ruling on AFRINIC: New members no rights, elections by June 2025
A turbulent few years for AFRINIC
AFRINIC has been in legal limbo since 2021, when a dispute between the registry and Cloud Innovation over IP address allocations escalated into a broader governance crisis. Multiple lawsuits, board suspensions, and internal dysfunctions followed. In 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that AFRINIC’s attempt to terminate Cloud Innovation’s membership was unlawful. More recently, an injunction prevented directors from unlawfully extending their terms, deepening the leadership vacuum.
In response to these issues, Cloud Innovation initiated a legal process to place AFRINIC under receivership, a move the company says was aimed not at disruption, but at restoring good governance.
“Our court application to appoint a receiver was motivated by a genuine desire to see AFRINIC thrive under sound leadership and transparent practices,” the company wrote.
“Our court application to appoint a receiver was motivated by a genuine desire to see AFRINIC thrive under sound leadership and transparent practices”.
Cloud Innovation
Supporting oversight, raising concerns
While affirming its support, Cloud Innovation raised one key concern: reports that some internet number resource allocations had been made during the prior receivership without proper authorization.
“This revelation is alarming… such actions, if accurate, undermine the very governance safeguards that the receivership was meant to put in place,” the letter states.
“This revelation is alarming… such actions, if accurate, undermine the very governance safeguards that the receivership was meant to put in place.”
Cloud Innovation
Cloud Innovation emphasized the importance of all allocations and decisions being made under the supervision of the legally appointed receiver, in full compliance with AFRINIC’s bylaws and established community policies.
Looking ahead to the elections
Mr. Dabee, whose appointment was confirmed by the court earlier this month, has communicated that his mission includes ensuring operational continuity and organizing the long-delayed elections. His letter of appointment outlines a roadmap to re-establish governance and restore confidence in AFRINIC’s processes.
Cloud Innovation’s letter expresses strong confidence in Mr. Dabee’s leadership, urging that his oversight ensures all assets, especially IP number resources, are managed lawfully and transparently.
“We trust that you will take all necessary steps to prevent any irregularities… and to uphold the highest standards of governance and legality.”
“We trust that you will take all necessary steps to prevent any irregularities… and to uphold the highest standards of governance and legality.”
A crossroads for African internet governance
With board elections now officially set for June 23, 2025, AFRINIC faces a crucial opportunity to re-establish trust and governance legitimacy. Stakeholders across Africa and the global internet community will be watching closely to see whether this receivership, and the reforms it enables, can pull the registry out of crisis.
As Cloud Innovation put it, “Our shared goal is to see AFRINIC emerge from this period of receivership stronger, with robust governance and full confidence from its members.”
For more background on the receivership and the upcoming elections, see coverage from BTW Media.
