The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has issued a formal call for greater transparency and procedural integrity in the ongoing board elections of the African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC). In a letter dated June 6th, ICANN urged the court-appointed receiver, Mr. Gowtamsingh Dabee, to address growing concerns over irregularities that risk undermining confidence in the governance of Africa’s internet registry.

Two key issues lie at the heart of the dispute. First, the admission of a company into AFRINIC’s membership roll despite apparent inconsistencies with its governance documents and norms. Second, the controversial appointment of two Nomination Committee members who had earlier supported the registration of the same company, raising fears of bias.

Infrastructure stability: AFRINIC, which allocates internet number resources across the continent, is critical to the functioning of Africa’s internet infrastructure. ICANN, which oversees the global coordination of such identifiers, has emphasized that stability in AFRINIC’s operations is essential not only for its members but for the broader internet ecosystem.

Election process reforms: ICANN has called for an immediate restructuring of the Nomination Committee, publication of remedial measures to restore election fairness, and full transparency in membership registration procedures. The aim is to restore trust in a process that should be free from undue influence or perceptions of impropriety.

While AFRINIC’s internal conflicts have simmered for years, the latest intervention by ICANN signals increasing international concern. As elections proceed, much will depend on the receiver’s ability to assure stakeholders that accountability and due process are being upheld. Restoring AFRINIC’s credibility, ICANN warns, is a prerequisite to its full operational recovery.