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On 9th July 2015, DCA Trust prevailed on the IRP as a result of declaration issues by an eminent panel of jurists. The ICANN Board on 16 July 2015 convened a special emergency meeting to quickly address the independent review panel's declaration that held in favor of DotConnectAfrica Trust regarding its .AFRICA top-level domain application. The board therefore resolved to reinstate DCA’s application back to evaluation.
DCA Trust filed for an Independent Review Process ("IRP ) as a step to resolve its dispute with [[ICANN]] over ICANN Board’s decisions and actions taken with regard to DCA Trust's application for the .africa new gTLD. The Notice of IRP came after DCA’s dotAfrica application was not allowed to complete processing to the end of Independent Evaluation (IE) by ICANN as a result of GAC Objection, which DCA stated was “unfair, discriminatory, and lacked appropriate due diligence and care” as well as “anti-competitive”
DCA Trust filed for an Independent Review Process ("IRP ) as a step to resolve its dispute with [[ICANN]] over ICANN Board’s decisions and actions taken with regard to DCA Trust's application for the .africa new gTLD. The Notice of IRP came after DCA’s dotAfrica application was not allowed to complete processing to the end of Independent Evaluation (IE) by ICANN as a result of GAC Objection, which DCA stated was “unfair, discriminatory, and lacked appropriate due diligence and care” as well as “anti-competitive”
Applicants initiate a request for Independent Review, by completing the ICDR form <ref>[https://www.adr.org/cs/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dDocName=ADRSTAGE2014402&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased ICDR form]</ref>. The International Centre for Dispute Resolution (“ICDR”), the international arm of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) provides institutional support for the ICANN IRP process, and the procedure of the IRP will be governed by the ICDR Rules and a set of Supplementary Procedures agreed upon between the ICDR and ICANN to govern IRPs.
Applicants initiate a request for Independent Review, by completing the ICDR form <ref>[https://www.adr.org/cs/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dDocName=ADRSTAGE2014402&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased ICDR form]</ref>. The International Centre for Dispute Resolution (“ICDR”), the international arm of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) provides institutional support for the ICANN IRP process, and the procedure of the IRP will be governed by the ICDR Rules and a set of Supplementary Procedures agreed upon between the ICDR and ICANN to govern IRPs.
==IRP Panel Awarded Injunction to DotConnectAfrica Trust (DCA)==
==IRP Panel Awarded Injunction to DotConnectAfrica Trust (DCA)==
DCA Trust won Round one in its case against ICANN for the ".africa" domain. The win resulted from the fact that DCA received an Injunction it requested in its IRP Proceedings in an arbitration process, and the Injunction ruled that "ICANN must immediately refrain from any further processing of any application for .africa until this Panel has heard the merits of DCA’s Trust Notice of Independent Review Process and issued its final decision regarding the same". ICANN had in March 24 2014 proceeded to sign a contract with ZACR who are competitors for the ".africa" string, sparking an outrage that ICANN was continually mistreating DCA Trust.<ref name="DCAWins1">[http://www.cio.co.ke/news/top-stories/dca-trust-wins-first-round-against-icann-in-injunction-on-dotafrica-domain DCA Trust wins first round against ICANN in injunction on DotAfrica domain]</ref><ref name="DCAWinsh1">[http://www.humanipo.com/news/43884/dotafrica-launch-further-delayed-by-dotconnectafrica-injunction/ dotAfrica launch further delayed by DotConnectAfrica injunction]</ref><ref name="DCAWinsCle1">[http://www.circleid.com/posts/dca_receives_an_injunction_it_requested_in_its_irp_proceedings/ DCA Receives an Injunction It Requested in Its IRP Proceedings]</ref><ref name="DCAWinsdns">[http://domainnewsafrica.com/breaking-dotconnectafrica-wins-dotafrica-injunction-against-icann-in-first-new-gtld-irp-case/ Breaking: DotConnectAfrica wins .africa injunction against ICANN in first new gTLD IRP case]</ref><ref name="DCAWinsalla">[http://allafrica.com/stories/201405131325.html DCA Trust Wins First Round Against Icann in Injunction On Dotafrica Domain]</ref><ref name="DCAWinstand">[http://tandaabiashara.com/tribunal-freezes-icann-processing-on-africa-independent-review-panel-rules-in-favor-of-dotconnectafrica/ Tribunal freezes ICANN processing on .africa: Independent Review Panel Rules in favor of DotConnectAfrica]</ref>
DCA Trust won Round one in its case against ICANN for the ".africa" domain. The win resulted from the fact that DCA received an Injunction it requested in its IRP Proceedings in an arbitration process, and the Injunction ruled that "ICANN must immediately refrain from any further processing of any application for .africa until this Panel has heard the merits of DCA’s Trust Notice of Independent Review Process and issued its final decision regarding the same". ICANN had in March 24 2014 proceeded to sign a contract with ZACR who are competitors for the ".africa" string, sparking an outrage that ICANN was continually mistreating DCA Trust.<ref name="DCAWins1">[http://www.cio.co.ke/news/top-stories/dca-trust-wins-first-round-against-icann-in-injunction-on-dotafrica-domain DCA Trust wins first round against ICANN in injunction on DotAfrica domain]</ref><ref name="DCAWinsh1">[http://www.humanipo.com/news/43884/dotafrica-launch-further-delayed-by-dotconnectafrica-injunction/ dotAfrica launch further delayed by DotConnectAfrica injunction]</ref><ref name="DCAWinsCle1">[http://www.circleid.com/posts/dca_receives_an_injunction_it_requested_in_its_irp_proceedings/ DCA Receives an Injunction It Requested in Its IRP Proceedings]</ref><ref name="DCAWinsdns">[http://domainnewsafrica.com/breaking-dotconnectafrica-wins-dotafrica-injunction-against-icann-in-first-new-gtld-irp-case/ Breaking: DotConnectAfrica wins .africa injunction against ICANN in first new gTLD IRP case]</ref><ref name="DCAWinsalla">[http://allafrica.com/stories/201405131325.html DCA Trust Wins First Round Against Icann in Injunction On Dotafrica Domain]</ref><ref name="DCAWinstand">[http://tandaabiashara.com/tribunal-freezes-icann-processing-on-africa-independent-review-panel-rules-in-favor-of-dotconnectafrica/ Tribunal freezes ICANN processing on .africa: Independent Review Panel Rules in favor of DotConnectAfrica]</ref>
==Panel accepts DCA’s position on procedural framework on .Africa IRP:==
==Panel accepts DCA’s position on procedural framework on .Africa IRP:==
The IRP panel on 14 August 2014, issued a Thirty Three (33) Pages ruling<ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/DECLARATION-ON-THE-IRP-PROCEDURE-DCA-Trust-vs-ICANN-14-AUGUST-2014.pdf IRP Panel’s Declaration of the IRP Procedure]</ref> to accept DotConnectAfrica’s position on the procedural framework of the IRP proceedings. The Panel has ruled terming its Declaration and the future Declaration on the Merits of the case are binding on ICANN. (ICANN wanted this to be “advisory” and not “binding”. DCA is represented by an international law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP based in New York while ICANN is represented by a Los Angeles-based Law Firm Jones Day LLC, which has been working with ICANN nearly since its inception.<ref name="DCAPfCIO">[http://www.cio.co.ke/news/top-stories/panel-accepts-dca%E2%80%99s-position-on-procedural-framework-on-dotafrica-irp Panel accepts DCA’s position on procedural framework on DotAfrica IRP]</ref> <ref name="DCAPfalla">[http://allafrica.com/stories/201409110194.html Africa: Panel Accepts DCA's Position On Procedural Framework On Dotafrica IRP]</ref> <ref name="DCAPftDm">[http://www.thedomains.com/2014/08/16/irp-panels-declaration-of-the-irp-procedure-in-the-case-of-dotconnect-africa-trust-vs-icann/ IRP Panel’s Declaration of the IRP Procedure in the case of DotConnect Africa Trust vs ICANN]</ref> <ref name="DCAPfdma">[http://domainingafrica.com/panel-interprets-declarations-as-binding-on-the-africa-irp-lectures-icann-on-core-accountability-implications/ IRP Panel’s Declaration of the IRP Procedure Panel interprets Declarations as binding on the .Africa IRP, Lectures ICANN on core accountability implications]</ref><ref name="DCAPfngt">[http://www.newsgtlds.com/2014/08/dotconnectafrica-update-irp-panel-rules.html DotConnectAfrica Update: IRP Panel Rules to Accept DCA's Position On Procedural Framework]</ref>
The IRP panel on 14 August 2014, issued a Thirty Three (33) Pages ruling<ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/DECLARATION-ON-THE-IRP-PROCEDURE-DCA-Trust-vs-ICANN-14-AUGUST-2014.pdf IRP Panel’s Declaration of the IRP Procedure]</ref> to accept DotConnectAfrica’s position on the procedural framework of the IRP proceedings. The Panel has ruled terming its Declaration and the future Declaration on the Merits of the case are binding on ICANN. (ICANN wanted this to be “advisory” and not “binding”. DCA is represented by an international law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP based in New York while ICANN is represented by a Los Angeles-based Law Firm Jones Day LLC, which has been working with ICANN nearly since its inception.<ref name="DCAPfCIO">[http://www.cio.co.ke/news/top-stories/panel-accepts-dca%E2%80%99s-position-on-procedural-framework-on-dotafrica-irp Panel accepts DCA’s position on procedural framework on DotAfrica IRP]</ref> <ref name="DCAPfalla">[http://allafrica.com/stories/201409110194.html Africa: Panel Accepts DCA's Position On Procedural Framework On Dotafrica IRP]</ref> <ref name="DCAPftDm">[http://www.thedomains.com/2014/08/16/irp-panels-declaration-of-the-irp-procedure-in-the-case-of-dotconnect-africa-trust-vs-icann/ IRP Panel’s Declaration of the IRP Procedure in the case of DotConnectAfrica Trust vs ICANN]</ref> <ref name="DCAPfdma">[http://domainingafrica.com/panel-interprets-declarations-as-binding-on-the-africa-irp-lectures-icann-on-core-accountability-implications/ IRP Panel’s Declaration of the IRP Procedure Panel interprets Declarations as binding on the .Africa IRP, Lectures ICANN on core accountability implications]</ref><ref name="DCAPfngt">[http://www.newsgtlds.com/2014/08/dotconnectafrica-update-irp-panel-rules.html DotConnectAfrica Update: IRP Panel Rules to Accept DCA's Position On Procedural Framework]</ref>
The IRP Panel on March 24 2015 declined several other key requests by ICANN to roll back its August 2014 declarations under the newly constituted panel.<ref>[https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/icann-to-irp-26feb15-en.pdf Letter from ICANN to IRP Panel]</ref> <ref>[https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/irp-procedure-declaration-14aug14-en.pdf Panel Declaration on the IRP Procedure]</ref>
In the case of hearing witnesses<ref>[https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/irp-procedure-declaration-20apr15-en.pdf Panel Third Panel Declaration of IRP Procedure]</ref>, the IRP Panel made a declaration to require all the witnesses to testify in final hearing <ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/dca-wins-again-dotafrica-irp-panel-declares-no-revisiting-the-2014-ruling-says-booking-com-final-declaration-is-of-no-consequence/ DCA Wins Again – .Africa IRP Panel declares No revisiting the 2014 ruling: Says Booking.com final declaration is of no consequence]</ref> <ref>[http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/04/28/internet_bylaws_dot_africa/ ICANN wants total control of DNS while breaking its own bylaws to block .africa probe]</ref><ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/icann-must-produce-witnesses-insists-dca-vs-icann-africa-irp-tribunal/ ICANN Must Produce Witnesses, insists DCA vs ICANN .africa Tribunal]</ref> <ref>[http://www.domainmondo.com/2015/04/irp-panel-in-dca-trust-case-overrules.html IRP Panel in DCA Trust Case Overrules ICANN Bylaws Provision]</ref> <ref>[http://tandaabiashara.com/dotafrica-irp-panel-decision-rules-unfairness-icann-bylaws-prevents-panel-questioning-icann-witnesses/ .Africa IRP Panel decision over-rules unfairness in #ICANN bylaws that prevents panel from questioning ICANN Witnesses]</ref><ref>[http://www.newsgtlds.com/2015/04/new-africa-gtld-icanns-witness-will-not.html New .AFRICA gTLD: ICANN’s witness will not testify!]</ref>
==DCA Trust Prevails in IRP Panel’s Final Declaration:==
On July 9 2015 The IRP panel made its final ruling which declared DotConnectAfrica as the prevailing party of the DCA Trust Vs ICANN IRP.<ref>[https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/final-declaration-09jul15-en.pdf IRP Panel’s Final Declaration]</ref>
The panel made the following concluding declarations:
148 Based on the foregoing, after having carefully reviewed the Parties’ written submissions, listened to the testimony of the three witness, listened to the oral submissions of the Parties in various telephone conference calls and at the in-person hearing of this IRP in Washington, D.C. on 22 and 23 May 2015, and finally after much deliberation, pursuant to Article IV, Section 3, paragraph 11 (c) of ICANN’s Bylaws, the Panel declares that both the actions and inactions of the Board with respect to the application of DCA Trust relating to the .AFRICA gTLD were inconsistent with the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of ICANN.
149 Furthermore, pursuant to Article IV, Section 3, paragraph 11 (d) of ICANN’s Bylaws, the Panel recommends that ICANN continue to refrain from delegating the .AFRICA gTLD and permit DCA Trust’s application to proceed through the remainder of the new gTLD application process.
150 The Panel declares DCA Trust to be the prevailing party in this IRP and further declares that ICANN is to bear, pursuant to Article IV, Section 3, paragraph 18 of the Bylaws, Article 11 of Supplementary Procedures and Article 31 of the ICDR Rules, the totality of the costs of this IRP and the totality of the costs of the IRP Provider. <ref>[http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/07/15/icann_dot_africa_review/ Unredacted: ICANN's hidden role in fierce battle over .Africa rights]</ref><ref>[http://www.domainmondo.com/2015/07/dca-trust-irp-decision-icann-failed.html DCA Trust IRP Decision: ICANN Failed the Global Internet Community]</ref><ref>[http://ethioinfodesk.com/ethiopian-born-entrepreneur-sophia-bekele-wins-africa-domain-name-accountability-suit-against-icann/]</ref> <ref>[http://www.ipjustice.org/digital-rights/icann-loses-independent-review-panel-decision-for-unfairly-treating-tld-applicants-improper-deference-to-governments/ ICANN Loses Independent Review Panel Decision For Unfairly Treating TLD Applicant & Improper Deference to Governments]</ref><ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/icann-loses-dotafrica-case-irp-panel-rules-favor-dca/ ICANN loses .Africa case: IRP panel rules in favor of DCA]</ref><ref>[http://cio.co.ke/news/main-stories/dca-trust-wins-.africa-irp,-icann-to-pay-over-kshs-60-million-in-costs DCA Trust wins .africa IRP, ICANN to pay over Kshs 60 million in costs]</ref><ref>[http://tandaabiashara.com/breaking-dotconnectafrica-trust-victorious-on-its-challenge-of-icann-board-over-dotafrica/ Breaking: DotConnectAfrica Trust victorious on its challenge of ICANN Board over .africa]</ref><ref>[http://allafrica.com/stories/201507141174.html East Africa: DCA Trust Wins .Africa IRP, ICANN to Pay Over Kshs 60 Million in Costs]</ref><ref>[http://www.bna.com/review-panel-chides-n17179933491/ Review Panel Chides ICANN Board, Government Reps]</ref>
In regard to the [[Beijing Communique]], a document that explains the GAC's objection to DCA's application, ICANN will ask the GAC "if it wishes to refine that advice and/or provide the board with further information regarding that advice and/or otherwise address the concerns raised in the Declaration." <ref>https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2015-07-16-en#prclt-Col2m62z</ref>
== DCA Vs ICANN Court Case ==
In January 20 2016, DotConnectAfrica Trust took ICANN to Court following a disagreement on how ICANN processed the IRP ruling that was declared DCA Trust the prevailing party in July 9 2015. The also submitted its first Amended Notice on 26 February 2016.
<ref name="DCAVsICANN">[https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/litigation-dca-plaintiff-first-amended-complaint-26feb16-en.pdf DotConnectAfrica Trust v. ICANN Court Case, Plaintiff's First Amended Complaint [PDF, 613 KB]]</ref>
===DotConnectAfrica's Granted Ex Parte Application for Temporary Restraining Order ===
In on March 04, 2016, A United States District Court, Central District Of California - Western Division in a ruling granted an Interim Relief for DotConnectAfrica in a decision [PDF Case No: CV 16-00862 RGK (JCx)]<ref name="DCAVsICANNTRO">[https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/litigation-dca-minute-order-plaintiff-ex-parte-application-04mar16-en.pdf DotConnectAfrica Trust v. ICANN Court Case, Minute Order re Plaintiff's Ex Parte Application for TRO [PDF, 24 KB]]</ref> that ICANN should hold off from delegating the .AFRICA top-level domain (TLD) for ZA Central Registry (ZACR.
The Court ruling stated:
(IN CHAMBERS) Plaintiff's Ex Parte Application for TRO (DE [20]) by Judge R. Gary Klausner: The Court grants Plaintiff's Ex Parte Application for TRO. Defendant is enjoined from issuing the .Africa gTLD until the Court decides Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction, scheduled for hearing on April 4, 2016.
Upon review of the parties' arguments, the Court finds serious questions going to the merits. Plaintiff has demonstrated that once the gTLD is issued, it will be unable to obtain those rights elsewhere. Moreover, the injury it will suffer cannot be compensated through monetary damages. In opposition, Defendant states in conclusory fashion only that the African governments and the ICANN community will suffer prejudice if the delegation of the gTLD is delayed.
The Temporary Restraining Order will allow the Court time to consider arguments from DotConnectAfrica Trust (DCA Trust) and ICANN regarding the .AFRICA TLD. DCA Trust is represented by Brown, Neri, Smith & Khan LLP in the case
<ref name="DCAtechcabal">[http://techcabal.com/2016/03/16/the-wait-for-africas-top-level-domain-continues-as-legal-wrangles-tie-up-the-launch-of-dotafrica/ This is why you can’t get a .africa domain name just yet]</ref><ref name="DCAfinancialmail">[http://www.financialmail.co.za/features/2016/03/17/domain-names-whats-in-a-name What’s in a name?]</ref><ref name="DCAnation">[http://www.nation.co.ke/lifestyle/smartcompany/Kenya-S-Africa-domain-row-intensifies/-/1226/3117572/-/14rhip4z/-/index.html Kenya, S.Africa domain row intensifies]</ref><ref name="DCABNA">[http://www.bna.com/new-delay-longawaitedafrica-n57982068291/ New Delay for Long-Awaited.Africa Internet Domain]</ref><ref name="DCATBO">[http://www.trademarksandbrandsonline.com/news/icann-told-to-wait-on-africa-delegation-4646 ICANN told to wait on .africa delegation ]</ref><ref name="DCATBO">[http://www.trademarksandbrandsonline.com/news/icann-told-to-wait-on-africa-delegation-4646 ICANN told to wait on .africa delegation ]</ref><ref name="DCAITWebNews">[http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=150581 .africa domain held up again]</ref><ref name="DCAhtxt">[http://www.htxt.co.za/2016/03/07/battle-for-africa-domains-rages-on/ .africa dispute will be in court on 4 April]</ref><ref name="DCADA">[http://domainingafrica.com/court-bars-icann-from-delegating-dotafrica-pending-federal-court-hearing/ Court Bars ICANN from Delegating .Africa Pending Federal Court Hearing]</ref><ref name="DCAICANN">[https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2-2016-03-05-en ICANN Temporarily Stopped from Delegating .AFRICA Pending Federal Court Hearing on 4 April 2016]</ref><ref name="DCADNA">[http://domainnewsafrica.com/us-court-halts-dotafrica-delegation-until-a-preliminary-injunction-case-by-applicant-dotconnectafrica-is-determined/ US Court halts .Africa delegation until a preliminary injunction case by applicant DotConnectAfrica is determined]</ref><ref name="DCATechMoran">[http://techmoran.com/dotafrica-delegation-blocked-dca-gets-relief-from-us-court/ Delegation of DotAfrica domain suspended as DCA granted relief by US Court]</ref><ref name="DCATechMoran">[http://aptantech.com/2016/03/delegation-of-dotafrica-gtld-blocked-dca-gets-relief-from-us-court/ Delegation of DotAfricagTLD blocked, DCA gets relief from US Court]</ref><ref name="DCADmondo">[http://www.domainmondo.com/2016/03/us-federal-court-enjoins-icann-from.html US Federal Court Enjoins ICANN From Delegating New gTLD dot AFRICA]</ref>
=== DotConnectAfrica's Granted Application for Preliminary Injunction on April 12, 2016 ===
On April 12, 2016, following Ex Parte Application for Temporary Restraining Order, the court also granted a Preliminary Injunction for DotConnectAfrica, the decision for case no. 16-CV-00862 RGK (JCx) [PDF]<ref name="DCACourt">[https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/litigation-dca-icann-motion-prelim-injunction-12apr16-en.pdf DotConnectAfrica Trust v. ICANN Court Case, Order re: Plaintiff’s Motion for Preliminary Injunction [PDF, 45 KB]]</ref> The ruling detailed among other things that The balance of equities tips in favor of granting the preliminary injunction. Without preliminary injunction, DCA will lose the opportunity to obtain rights to .Africa because ICANN will likely delegate the rights to ZACR prior to the conclusion of this action, and these rights can be delegated only once.
The ruling also shed light on the AUC relationship with ICANN stating that public interest favors granting preliminary injunction, that The AUC's relationship with ZACR, and its interest in preventing the delay of issuing rights to .Africa creates a conflict of interest. Therefore, on this point, the Court accords little weight to the Yedaly Declaration. On balance, the Court finds it more prejudicial to the African community, and the international community in general, if the delegation of .Africa is made prior to a determination on the fairness of the process by which it was delegated. <ref name="DCABBNA">[http://www.bna.com/judge-halts-africa-n57982070034/ Judge Halts .Africa Domain; Lengthy Litigation Likely]</ref><ref name="DCADDMondo">[http://www.domainmondo.com/2016/04/news-review-dotafrica-public-interest.html News Review: dotAFRICA, Public Interest, Judge Holds ICANN Accountable]</ref><ref name="DCAITB">[http://itbusinessdirect.com/yedaly-declaration-on-dotafrica-dismissed-by-us-federal-court-as-conflict-of-interest/ “Yedaly Declaration” on .Africa dismissed by US Federal Court as Conflict of Interest!]</ref><ref name="DCARedge">[http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/04/13/court_slams_icann_over_sham_process/ I bless the reins down on .africa … Dot-word injunction hits ICANN]</ref><ref name="DCARDNA">[http://domainnewsafrica.com/dot-africa-us-court-grants-injunction-to-dca-trust-says-balance-of-equities-tips-in-favor-of-dca/ .Africa: US Court grants Injunction to DCA Trust, says Balance of Equities tips in favor of DCA]</ref><ref name="DCAITwebza">[http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=151514 .africa domain frozen by US court injunction]</ref><ref name="DCAApt">[http://aptantech.com/2016/04/us-court-grants-dca-preliminary-injunction-icann-cant-delegate-dotafrica-domain/ US Court grants DCA preliminary injunction, ICANN can’t delegate dotAfrica domain]</ref><ref name="DCADI">[http://domainincite.com/20267-its-open-season-on-icann-as-judge-rules-new-gtld-applicants-can-sue It’s open season on ICANN as judge rules new gTLD applicants CAN sue]</ref><ref name="DCAHTXTza">[https://www.htxt.co.za/2016/04/14/us-court-puts-a-halt-on-africa-domain/ US court puts a halt on .africa domain]</ref><ref name="DCAAptna">[http://aptantech.com/2016/04/dca-trust-challenges-icanns-litigation-waiver-on-dotafrica-case/ Applicant for .Africa Domain Challenges ICANN Litigation Waiver]</ref><ref name="DCADDA">[http://domainingafrica.com/dca-alive-court-grants-preliminary-injunction-on-dotafrica/ DCA Alive! Court Grants Preliminary Injunction on .Africa]</ref><ref name="DCABNSK">[http://bnsklaw.com/brown-neri-smith-llp-blog/preliminary-injunction-issued-barring-delegation-of-africa-top-level-domain-until-case-resolution Preliminary Injunction Issued Barring Delegation of .Africa Top-Level Domain Until Case Resolution]</ref>
==Media Coverages of the IRP==
==Media Coverages of the IRP==
*US govt: Any thoughts on ICANN running the internet? Any at all? Speak your brains NOW (August 10, 2015)<ref>[http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/08/10/us_government_asks_for_comment_on_iana_plans/ US govt: Any thoughts on ICANN running the internet? Any at all? Speak your brains NOW ]</ref>
*.Africa IRP: The Transcript that cost ICANN – GAC’s “Creative ambiguity, We leave things unclear so we don’t have conflict” (August 6, 2015)<ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/dot-africa-irp-the-transcript-that-cost-icann-gac-creative-ambiguity-we-leave-things-unclear-so-we-dont-have-conflict/ .Africa IRP: The Transcript that cost ICANN – GAC’s “Creative ambiguity, We leave things unclear so we don’t have conflict”]</ref>
*ICANN Accountability: “Creative Ambiguity” at Work in the “.AFRICA” Decision (August 6, 2015)<ref>[https://www.ana.net/blogs/show/id/36154 ICANN Accountability: “Creative Ambiguity” at Work in the “.AFRICA” Decision]</ref>
*“Case far from Closed” says BBC: Unsuccessful ICANN interview on .africa Cover up (August 5, 2015)<ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/case-far-from-closed-says-bbc-unsuccessful-icann-interview-on-dot-africa-cover-up/ “Case far from Closed” says BBC: Unsuccessful ICANN interview on .africa Cover up ]</ref>
*What Brands Need to Know About ICANN’s Treatment of the .AFRICA Applications (July 30, 2015)<ref>[http://blog.fairwindspartners.com/internet-governance-and-policy/dot-africa-contention What Brands Need to Know About ICANN’s Treatment of the .AFRICA Applications]</ref>
*BBC discusses ICANN’s dotAfrica Dispute (July 29, 2015)<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02xnbht BBC discusses ICANN’s dotAfrica Dispute]</ref>
*Did ZACR and Africa Union ignore the warning to be wary of wrong doing over .Africa?(July 24, 2015)<ref>[http://tandaabiashara.com/did-zacr-and-africa-union-ignore-the-warning-to-be-wary-of-wrong-doing-over-dot-africa/ Did ZACR and Africa Union ignore the warning to be wary of wrong doing over .Africa?]</ref>
*BBC discusses ICANN’s dotAfrica Dispute (July 29, 2015)<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02xnbht BBC discusses ICANN’s dotAfrica Dispute]</ref>
*ICANN further implicated in .Africa controversy, More light shined on redact-happy DNS overlord (July 21, 2015)<ref>[http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/07/24/icann_dot_africa/ ICANN further implicated in .Africa controversy, More light shined on redact-happy DNS overlord (July 24, 2015]</ref>
*Booking.com uses .africa precedent to challenge .hotels ruling (July 21, 2015)<ref>[http://domainincite.com/18993-booking-com-uses-africa-precedent-to-challenge-hotels-ruling Booking.com uses .africa precedent to challenge .hotels ruling (July 21, 2015]</ref>
*Unredacted: ICANN's hidden role in fierce battle over .Africa rights (July 15 2015)<ref>[http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/07/15/icann_dot_africa_review/ Unredacted: ICANN's hidden role in fierce battle over .Africa rights]</ref>
*DCA Trust wins .africa IRP, ICANN to pay over Kshs 60 million in costs (July 14 2015)<ref>[http://cio.co.ke/news/main-stories/dca-trust-wins-.africa-irp,-icann-to-pay-over-kshs-60-million-in-costs DCA Trust wins .africa IRP, ICANN to pay over Kshs 60 million in costs]</ref>
*East Africa: DCA Trust Wins .Africa IRP, ICANN to Pay Over Kshs 60 Million in Costs (July 14 2015)<ref>[http://allafrica.com/stories/201507141174.html East Africa: DCA Trust Wins .Africa IRP, ICANN to Pay Over Kshs 60 Million in Costs]</ref>
*Review Panel Chides ICANN Board, Government Reps (July 13 2015)<ref>[http://www.bna.com/review-panel-chides-n17179933491/ Review Panel Chides ICANN Board, Government Reps]</ref>
*ICANN loses .Africa case: IRP panel rules in favor of DCA (July 14 2015)<ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/icann-loses-dotafrica-case-irp-panel-rules-favor-dca/ ICANN loses .Africa case: IRP panel rules in favor of DCA]</ref>
*Ethiopian Born Entrepreneur Sophia Bekele Wins .Africa Domain Name Accountability Suit Against ICANN (July 13 2015)<ref>[http://ethioinfodesk.com/ethiopian-born-entrepreneur-sophia-bekele-wins-africa-domain-name-accountability-suit-against-icann/ Ethiopian Born Entrepreneur Sophia Bekele Wins .Africa Domain Name Accountability Suit Against ICANN]</ref>
*DCA Trust IRP Decision: ICANN Failed the Global Internet Community (July 12 2015)<ref>[http://www.domainmondo.com/2015/07/dca-trust-irp-decision-icann-failed.html DCA Trust IRP Decision: ICANN Failed the Global Internet Community]</ref>
*ICANN Loses Independent Review Panel Decision For Unfairly Treating TLD Applicant & Improper Deference to Governments (July 11 2015)<ref>[http://www.ipjustice.org/digital-rights/icann-loses-independent-review-panel-decision-for-unfairly-treating-tld-applicants-improper-deference-to-governments/ ICANN Loses Independent Review Panel Decision For Unfairly Treating TLD Applicant & Improper Deference to Governments]</ref>
*Breaking: DotConnectAfrica Trust victorious on its challenge of ICANN Board over .africa (July 13 2015)<ref>[http://tandaabiashara.com/breaking-dotconnectafrica-trust-victorious-on-its-challenge-of-icann-board-over-dotafrica/ Breaking: DotConnectAfrica Trust victorious on its challenge of ICANN Board over .africa]</ref>
*ZACR’s dotAfrica application lacked valid endorsements (December 06 2014)<ref>[http://cio.co.ke/news/main-stories/zacr%E2%80%99s-dotafrica-application-lacked-valid-endorsements ZACR’s dotAfrica application lacked valid endorsements]</ref>
*ZACR’s dotAfrica application lacked valid endorsements (December 06 2014)<ref>[http://cio.co.ke/news/main-stories/zacr%E2%80%99s-dotafrica-application-lacked-valid-endorsements ZACR’s dotAfrica application lacked valid endorsements]</ref>
*Africa: Panel Accepts DCA's Position On Procedural Framework On Dotafrica IRP (September 10 2014)<ref name="DCAPfalla"/>
*Africa: Panel Accepts DCA's Position On Procedural Framework On Dotafrica IRP (September 10 2014)<ref name="DCAPfalla"/>
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