DotConnectAfrica Newsletter          December 2014
Yes2dotAfrica with logo
          A Year in Review- 2014!
 

Season's Greetings  

2014 End of Year Message from DotConnectAfrica!

Message from the Founder/Executive Director
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As Executive Director of DotConnectAfrica Trust and founder of the Yes2DotAfrica Campaign, it gives me great pleasure to send this end of year message at Christmas to our entire Pan-African constituency and global community of supporters and well-wishers all over the world!
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It is with great pleasure that I write this End of Year message to all of DCA Trust supporters that have been with us since we started this campaign for the .Africa domain name several years ago.

2014 proved to be another eventful year for DCA Trust, and its technology sector affiliates; namely, DCA Registry Services (Kenya) Ltd., and the Internet Business Council for Africa (IBCA).

Let me start by updating you regarding our ongoing .Africa new gTLD legal journey and why .Africa names are not yet available on the Internet.
 
You may all recall that towards the end of 2013, DCA Trust had filed its Official Notice for Independent Review of Internet

Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Board actions. which DCA considered as irregular and wrongful over DCA Trust's new gTLD application for the .Africa Internet Domain name/ which we had laboriously pioneered and strongly promoted both in Africa and all over the world.   The IRP was empanelled under the auspices of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) during the 1st quarter of 2014, and soon after, started making many interim rulings and declarations on procedural matters regarding the DCA vs. ICANN IRP.


Apart from one major ruling on the binding nature of the IRP decisions, which no doubt provides great precedence value for global Internet Policy-related Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), accountability and arbitral mechanisms, even for future IRPs; one other very strong victory that DCA Trust was able to achieve in the ongoing IRP, was the IRP Panel's decision to place a temporary injunction that restrains ICANN from continuing with the delegation process of the .Africa Internet domain name to ZA Central Registry (ZACR), who would otherwise be the illegitimate beneficiary of any wrongful actions that have been wittingly or unwittingly committed by the ICANN Board, if the delegation were allowed to proceed without a juridical examination of ICANN's actions regarding the new gTLD award process for .Africa.

During the last quarter of 2014, the legal representatives of DCA Trust have submitted a well-argued and quite comprehensive Second Memorial on the Merits to the IRP Panel. This has again made DCA's case stronger.

 

"Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well",  is an apt saying that is very much applicable in this regard. 

 

This explains why .Africa domain names are not yet available on the Internet.  DCA Trust has already explained to its global audiences that the need to properly test and validate the accountability mechanisms of institutions of Global Internet Governance as typified by ICANN, in order to ensure that they are truly accountable to the Global Public Interest that they are supposed to serve, profoundly outweighs the other important necessity of rolling out .Africa domain names faster.

 

Therefore, Africa must continue to demonstrate that as a member of the international community, it is truly committed to good governance safeguards and global best practices and other acceptable democratic standards that form the building blocks of an equitable and just society.  DCA Trust therefore believes that the activities of ICANN and the African Union Commission (AUC), as a member of the ICANN global community through the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) must be properly subjected to an accountability process with binding adjudicatory powers.

 

DCA Trust is therefore hopeful that the IRP will be fully decided around the beginning of the 2nd Quarter of 2015.  DCA Trust believes that prevailing in the IRP would enable it to completely fulfill its obligations and other implicit and explicit commitments contained in its Mission and Purpose that were made for the benefit of its Pan-African and Global constituencies;  coupled with the attainment of other Charitable Objects codified in DCA's Charter.

   

Before ending this End of Year Message, I wish to make some brief comments on recent developments that would likely shape the architectural landscape of Global Internet Governance in the very near future. 

 

Status of NTIA Transition and US Congress Oversight 

During the first quarter of 2014, the US Department of Commerce National Technology & Information Administration (NTIA) decided to outsource the oversight of the IANA Contract to an ICANN-led International Multi-stakeholder Group.  This initiative had remained topical within ICANN circles all through 2014; but even so, still managed to attract the priority attentions of the US Congress who are not too favorably disposed to the idea. Government funding for it was specifically denied in a US$1 trillion omnibus spending bill that was approved by both the House and the US Senate in December 2014.  The bill expressly forbids the US Department of Commerce's National Technology & Information Administration from relinquishing its responsibilities regarding Internet Domain Name functions and the IANA contract to ICANN.  This would therefore delay the 'IANA Transition' until after September 30, 2015 when the funding bill expires.  

 

Even as the debate over which Internet Governance Framework should be adopted - either continue with the status quo that is pivoted on ICANN's multi-stakeholder model, or move the global Internet Governance under an ITU-led United Nations Framework - has yet to die down, a new "NetMundial" initiative was proposed and spearheaded by Mr. Fadi Chehade, ICANN's President and CEO.  Many people have already attacked the NetMundial initiative as an idea that has not been properly developed against the backdrop that there are also other contending models that have already been proposed such as UN/ITU-led model and the existing Internet Governance Forum (IGF).  Moreover, the NetMundial initiative appears not to promote inclusivity, and is seen as not transparent, and counter-intuitive to the current Global Multi-stakeholder model that is open and participatory in nature. 

 

Be all that as it may, DCA Trust believes that a fully accountable ICANN that is truly serving the Global Public Interest is what the world can live with.  This should however be based on the provision that ICANN is properly governed by an enduring institution that can be relied upon to provide the much-needed oversight of ICANN.  Therefore, ICANN's accountability mechanism and processes must be improved upon to ensure that ICANN is not a law unto itself.  ICANN must be truly accountable in terms of the transparency of its processes to ensure complete and unfettered probity.  As an organization that is currently engaged in juridical proceedings with ICANN, DCA Trust demands nothing less than what is ideal for the global public interest.

 

This then brings us to new congressional initiatives that could cause ICANN to be firmly brought under the legislative and oversight authority of the United States Congress. 

 

In this regard, DCA Trust already considers itself a thought leader - by properly clarifying an idea that was not really understood by many at an earlier period.  DCA Trust has argued in the past that the United States Congress has actual oversight authority and governance responsibilities over ICANN; even though only in law, since Congress has not always exercised this authority over ICANN on a practical basis. Now, that this has been fully recognized, it is safe to predict that Congress would like to thoroughly exercise its full powers over ICANN in the not too distant future; all with a view to protecting the United States Government's over-riding interest in keeping the Global Internet under its firm control. 

 

The coming 2015 therefore promises to be an important year during which pertinent issues of Global Internet Governance would remain highly topical. The direct involvement of the US Congress would no doubt cause those countries who wish to put control of Global Internet Governance within the purview of the UN/ITU to remain seriously engaged in this matter. DCA Trust also intends to closely follow these developments and provide informed commentaries for the benefit of its followers throughout the course of 2015.

 

Indeed, 2014 was a very busy year for DotconnectAfrica during which our organization continued to deepen its policy advocacy involvements and contributions.   DCA Trust and its affiliates continued to bestride the very unique intersection of Global Internet Governance, ICT Knowledge Generation and Management, global advocacy for Cyber-security best practices, and International public policy commentary and provide notable contributions on pertinent matters of Global Internet Policy, amongst other important initiatives that the DCA Group is involved in.
Enjoy all your Holiday Celebrations!

We end 2014 on such a high note and hope, we have all stayed in the Arena, persevered and fought together to achieve the vision of .Africa that still needs a lot of work, however the journey is always tough when it nears the end.

 

We therefore urge all of our supporters to remain patient, since .Africa's day in the Sun would soon arrive; and on that day, DCA Trust fully intends to deliver on its past promises of providing affordable domain names for the purposes of enhanced branding, business and other promotional opportunities for the new and emerging Africa - our Motherland. 

We are very thankful for all the cooperation that we have received over the years - at each stage of this very arduous and complex journey that we have undertaken on your behalf.   Please continue to pray and support DCA Trust.   

 

On behalf of DCA and myself, I wish you peace, joy and Goodwill this Holiday Season  

for Africa and the world!.

 

See you all in 2015!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Happy New Year  

 

 Sophia Bekele

Founder/Executive Director

DotConnectAfrica
In this Issue

 

 (Message from Executive Director)

 

NewYork: DotConnectAfrica submits its final Memorial to the IRP Panel 

     

DotConnectAfrica Recap; Global Policy Advocacy and Contribution 

 

NewYork: DotConnectAfrica Update: IRP Panel Ruling Accepts DCA's Position on Procedural Order

  

London: Dotfrica.TV- Presenting Internet Pioneer and CEO of CentralNIC 

 

NewYork: KeyNote with DCA Founder -Standing on the Shoulder of Giants 

 

Washington: US-Africa Summit Echoes more on how the US does not know about Africa   

 

London: DotConnectAfrica Update: Response to ICANN 50 GAC Advice in the GAC London Communiqu�   

 

Gabon: DotConnectAfrica discusses Digital Innovation at the NYFAfrica

 

DotConnectAfrica Updated Status of its gTLD Application & Current  Engagement with ICANN

 

NewYork: DotConnectAfrica Update -Independent Panel Grants Interim Relief on .africa gTLD

 

 Hague: DotConnectAfrica's Expert selected to attend the Hague Institute of Global Justice.

  

NewYork: DotConnectAfrica Update -Independent Panel Grants Interim Relief on .africa gTLD  

 

Brussels: The IBCA participates at the EU-Africa Business Forum 2014  

 

Nairobi: DCA Delegates attend the KHRC Internet & Human Rights Breakfast Roundtable   

   

DCA Personality of the Year

 

Ebola Message from DCA   

 

Washington: DCA Statement regarding NTIA Transition  

 

A Conversation on The SCOOP with Salim Amin

 

SEE YOU IN 2015 

 

DCA Personality of the Year


Lupita Nyong'o  
won the best supporting actress Oscar at the 86th Academy Awards for her role in 12 Years a Slave in 2014. She encouraged eveybody who has a vision to achieve saying "
No matter where you're from, your dreams are valid."
________________ 

Quotable Quotes

As long as we are persistence in our pursuit of our deepest destiny, we will continue to grow. We cannot choose the day or time when we will fully bloom. It happens in its own time.

Denis Waitley

 
 
MATTEW 5:9-12 [NIV]
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

A Special Thanksgiving Message from DotConnectAfrica  

as we remember Ebola Victims  

Nairobi, Kenya,    

Link 

A Conversation on The SCOOP with Salim Amin  
From International IT Auditing Career to a Global Entreprenurship-
Listen to Bekele's  Scoop on how to balance Career with doing what you want

Watch Video Here  
   
Beyoncé - Run the World (Girls)
Beyonce - Run the World (Girls)

See you all in 2015!

2014 has been a year of great success and hope  for DotConnectAfrica, with your support and encouragement  it has been worth the while.

 

In 2012 we applied for .africa gTLD.   After over 6 years of creating great awareness and campaigns for .africa,  we are still in the journey to delivr ur promises and having spent the much time, energy and resources to make this true, we cant thank you enough for staying with us this long. 

 

2015 is fast coming and with it good tidings of realizing DCAs' dream of the long awaited African registry as  well as for a much anticipated  continuing debate of the internet governance world!  

 

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and  Happy New Year 2015!   

 
Thomas Kamanzi
Editorial Advisor/ press.africa

Lets Celebrate and be Thankful
 A Year In Review 

Washington DC: DotConnectAfrica Submits its final Memorial to the IRP Panel

DotConnectAfrica Trust has Submitted its latest and final memorial to the IRP panel, this contains the expert testimony of the CEO and Founder Ms. Sophia Bekele. Read more

DotConnectAfrica Recap: Global Policy Advocacy and Contribution

NewYork: DotConnectAfrica Update: IRP Panel Ruling Accepts DCA's Position on Procedural Order
ICANN Logo
 
The Panel deciding DotConnectAfrica Trust's IRP request has issued a ruling accepting DotConnectAfrica's position on the procedural framework of the IRP proceedings. The Panel has ruled that its determination is binding on ICANN Read more
London: DotAfrica.TV - Presenting Internet Pioneer and CEO of CentralNic
 
 
DotAfrica.TV Features Internet Pioneer & Chief Executive of UK's CentralNic Ben Crawford. Listen to him as he talks on history of CentralNic, Domain Name, New gTLDs and changes to the Internet Domain Name and his Company's Strategy for Emerging Markets which includes Africa. Read more
 
NewYork: KeyNote with DCA Founder-Standing on the Shoulder of Giants 

Speaking at the Symposium, Bekele conversed with the students behind what she says are of priority to Africa. Her rallying call  "The operative word for what would move Africa is CHANGE. So we all need to PUSH the envelop - (Persist, Until Something Happens"
Read More
 
Washington DC: US-Africa Summit Echoes more on how the US does not know about Africa
    
DotConnectAfrica (DCA) was amply represented by its Diaspora Constituency at the Summit and happy to see these developments and partnerships being fostered. DCA expressed it is happy with the steps America is taking to bridge the gap between Africa and America with the pioneering of the U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit.  Read more
DotConnectAfrica Trust submitted its response to the GAC Advice conveyed in the ICANN 50 GAC London Communiqu� within the mandatory 21-day window, as per instructions via ICANN's Customer Service Center Notification Portal for New gTLD applicants   Read more
 
   
DotConnectAfrica Trust delegates participated in the New York Forum AFRICA 2014 in Libreville, Gabon. Speaking at the conference, as a panelist ON TRANSFORMING CONNECTIVITY INTO DIGITAL INNOVATION:Bekele pointed out that due to the exponential growth of mobiles and lack of infrastructure in the rural areas, a rural development strategy using mobiles should be of national importance. Read more 
NewYork: DotConnectAfrica Status on our .Africa gTLD application & Current Engagement with the Independent Review Panel (IRP) on .africa gTLD

On 12 March 2014, an Independent Review Panel has granted an Interim Relief for DotConnectAfrica issuing a decision that ICANN should hold off from further processing of ZA Central Registry's (ZACR) application for the .AFRICA top-level domain (TLD) for the time being. Read more 

 

Hague: DotConnectAfrica's Expert selected to attend the Hague Institute of Global Justice
     
DotConnectAfrica's Mr.Gideon Rop presented an expert paper on the Future of Cyber Governance Project at the Hague Institute for Global Justice. Read More
  DotConnectAfrica Logo  
DotConnectAfrica delegates participated in the recent Internet and Human Rights Breakfast Roundtable on 24th April 2014 held at The Norfolk Fairmont in Nairobi, Kenya.
This is the second meeting held by Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) in partnership with other civil society organizations and stakeholders.
Read more

  Internet Business Council for Africa

The Internet Business Council for Africa (IBCA) delegates attended the EU-Africa 2014 Business Forum today at a crucial time in the relations between Europe and Africa. Read More
  
US Congress DotConnectAfrica
DotConnectAfrica believes the move to cede the USA oversight on ICANN must be managed and transitioned in a proper way.  It is understandable that such a move may have been accelerated or catalyzed by the Snowden revelations; however, the move should not be made quickly but slowly and carefully so that proper mechanisms are in place with checks and balances. Read more