AFRINIC Denounces “Misinformation Campaign” Following Ratification of Major IP Resource Policy.

EBÈNE, Mauritius – AFRINIC, the Regional Internet Registry for Africa, has issued a strongly worded communiqué to its members, sounding the alarm over a “misinformation campaign” targeting its recently ratified Number Resources Transfer Policy (2020-GEN-006-D3).

In a statement released Wednesday, the organization acknowledged reports from members who had received unsolicited emails from non-AFRINIC sources. These communications allegedly made “mischievous allegations” regarding the legitimacy and impact of the new policy, which governs how IPv4 addresses and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) are transferred within and outside the African region.

Defending the Policy Development Process

The core of the dispute centers on Policy 2020-GEN-006-D3, a framework designed to allow the transfer of dwindling IPv4 resources between organizations. The policy was ratified on February 4, 2026, after years of community deliberation and a period of governance challenges that had previously stalled its progress.

AFRINIC’s leadership emphasized that the policy was born out of a “bottom-up, consensus-based” process. “Claims that AFRINIC is ‘seizing,’ ‘discounting,’ or unlawfully targeting member assets are not supported by the policy text or AFRINIC’s legal mandate,” the communiqué stated.

The registry clarified that internet number resources are not “owned” as private property but are managed under a stewardship framework. The new policy, according to AFRINIC, does not confiscate resources but rather provides a clear set of rules for their movement to ensure the stability of the African internet ecosystem.

Governance Reforms and Legal Context

The communiqué comes at a pivotal time for AFRINIC, which recently emerged from a period of receivership and internal governance hurdles. The organization highlighted that the current Board—reconstituted following these challenges—is acting strictly within its Bylaws to restore administrative functions.

In addition to defending the transfer policy, AFRINIC announced a call for volunteers for a Bylaws Review Committee. This move aims to evaluate whether the organization’s governing documents need updates to prevent future governance deadlocks. The Board stressed that any changes would require a consultative process and formal approval from members, countering rumors of unilateral power grabs.

A Call for Official Information

AFRINIC urged its members and the broader internet community to ignore “scare tactics” and to seek information exclusively through official channels, such as the Resource Policy Discussion (RPD) mailing list.

“Public discourse is strengthened when concerns are raised through documented, accountable processes,” the statement read. “AFRINIC will continue to protect the fair and stable management of Internet number resources within the African region.”

The ratification of 2020-GEN-006-D3 is seen by many in the industry as a vital step for African ISPs and businesses to acquire the IP space needed for growth, particularly as the global supply of IPv4 addresses continues to dry up. However, the pushback from external groups suggests that the road to full implementation may remain fraught with political and legal debate.

Source: https://www.afrinic.net/communique-response-to-member-concerns-on-misinformation-campaign-regarding-afrinic-s-ratified-policy-2020-gen-006-d3

About Author

Dr. Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo

Dr. Adebunmi Akinbo is a Researcher, Media Psychologist, Brand and Content Expert. He is an Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Fellow, Member of Association of Cyber Forensics and Threat Investigators (ACFTI), Associate Member of the Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), and a Senior Member of Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy & Management (CIPDM), He is passionate for information and solutions for ICT Challenges by the media for the global village.

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