AFRINIC acknowledges member reports of emails received from non-AFRINIC sources making mischievous allegations regarding the ratification of AFRINIC Policy Proposal 2020-GEN-006-D3. AFRINIC finds it important to clarify the following matters for the benefit of its members and the broader Internet community.
1. Legitimacy of the Policy Development Process (PDP)
AFRINIC functions as a Regional Internet Registry (RIR) within a globally recognised, bottom-up, consensus-based Policy Development Process (PDP), as outlined in Articles 11.2 and 11.3 of the AFRINIC Bylaws.
The PDP:
- Is open to all stakeholders;
- Includes public consultation and transparent discussion;
- Requires documented community consensus;
- Is administered independently of individual commercial interests.
After a period during which governance challenges hindered policy progress, the properly constituted AFRINIC Board reinstated the Policy Development Working Group (PDWG) in accordance with the Bylaws. This measure was necessary to maintain AFRINIC’s role as a Regional Internet Registry within the global Internet governance framework.
Two policy proposals were subsequently ratified by the Board following:
- Ratified Policy Proposal - Abuse Contact Policy Update AFPUB-2018-GEN-001-D7
- Ratified Policy Proposal – AFRINIC Number Resource Policy Transfer AFPUB-2020-GEN-006-D3
A third proposal was returned to the PDWG for further development.
The PDWG remains open for participation by any interested stakeholder. The multistakeholder model relies on open engagement through the PDP mechanisms, which are available to all parties.
2. Nature of Internet Number Resources
AFRINIC reaffirms that it is a not-for-profit organisation operating in the public interest within its mandate as a Regional Internet Registry.
Internet number resources:
- Are allocated subject to Registration Service Agreements;
- Are managed in accordance with community-developed policies;
- Remain subject to compliance obligations;
- Are part of a globally coordinated stewardship framework.
They are not owned as property in the traditional proprietary sense. Their use is governed by contractual and policy frameworks established through the multistakeholder process.
Claims that AFRINIC is “seizing,” “discounting,” or unlawfully targeting member assets are not supported by the policy text or AFRINIC’s legal mandate.
3. Policy 2020-GEN-006-D3
Policy 2020-GEN-006-D3 defines the rules and conditions under which IPv4 address blocks and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) may be transferred between organisations within the AFRINIC service region, including both Resource Members and Legacy Resource Holders (intra-RIR transfers), as well as between AFRINIC and other Regional Internet Registry (RIR) regions (inter-RIR transfers), provided that reciprocal transfer policies are in place. It was developed via the established PDP and reflects community deliberation over an extended period.
The policy does not confiscate resources, modify existing registration agreements, or revoke lawful rights of use. It clarifies the conditions under which specific categories of resources can be transferred, consistent with the wider RIR system’s coordination framework.
Members who have concerns about the interpretation or implementation of the policy are encouraged to voice them through the RPD mailing list or other official channels.
4. Governance and Bylaw Review
AFRINIC has launched a call for volunteers to serve on a Bylaws Review Committee.
This initiative aims to evaluate whether aspects of the current Bylaws require clarification or updating in light of recent governance challenges. The Board cannot amend the Bylaws unilaterally.
Any proposed amendments:
- Will be developed via a consultative process;
- Will be subject to member review;
- Will require formal approval at a General Members’ Meeting in line with existing procedures.
The review process is consultative and procedural. It does not bypass existing governance safeguards.
5. Commitment to Stability and Engagement
- AFRINIC remains dedicated to:
- Transparency in governance;
- Compliance with its Bylaws and applicable legislation;
- Stability of Internet number resource management in the African region; and
- Constructive engagement with all stakeholders.
Public discourse is strengthened when concerns are raised through documented, accountable processes grounded in policy and law.
AFRINIC urges members to seek information through official communication channels and to participate in the established policy forums.
AFRINIC will continue to protect the fair and stable management of Internet number resources within the African region, in accordance with its mandate.
For more information, please refer to our FAQs on Policy 2020-GEN-006-D3 and the Bylaw Review at: https://afrinic.net/policy/overview/ratified-04-02-2026/#policies-faq
Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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