- Mr. Gowtamsingh Dabee has been appointed as the Receiver over AFRINIC, as per a Mauritian court order.
- ICANN continues to monitor AFRINIC’s governance struggles and offers support.
What happened: AFRINIC Receiver Appointment
The African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC) has faced ongoing governance issues, leading to ICANN’s close monitoring and offering support and advice where possible. ICANN is hopeful that recent developments in Mauritius will stabilize AFRINIC’s governance and is committed to ensuring the long-term viability of the Regional Internet Registry (RIR) system as part of the delivery of ICANN’s mission.
ICANN has noted the Court Order from the Bankruptcy Division of the Supreme Court of Mauritius, dated 12 February 2025. That Court Order names Mr. Gowtamsingh Dabee as the newly appointed Receiver over AFRINIC. Mr. Dabee was ordered to expedite the matter to design and conduct elections to reconstitute the AFRINIC Board of Directors by 25 April 2025. The Court acknowledged the powers of the Receiver as provided for under the laws of Mauritius.
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Why it’s important
The appointment of a Receiver to repair AFRINIC’s governance is crucial for the stability and viability of the Regional Internet Registry system. This move is significant as it could impact the management and operation of internet number resources within the African region.
The governance of AFRINIC is essential to ensure the reliable provision of these services at the regional level, supporting ICANN’s SSR role.
