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Line 17: − + + + + + + + − − It is not the only applicant for [[.africa]], and the other applicant, [[Registry.Africa]], a subsidiary of [[UniForum SA]], has received the support of the African Union (AU). As such, ICANN's [[GAC|Governmental Advisory Committee]] has consistently opposed DotConnectAfrica's application; issuing both an Early Warning and a full GAC objection. These are strong signals to the [[ICANN Board]] that the application should not be allowed to proceed towards implementation. Should the [[ICANN Board]] go against any GAC warnings it is required to explain its actions. DCA's .africa application was one of two applications to receive the full GAC objection in the body's first rulings on the topic, issued in its April 2013 Beijing Communiqué.<ref>[http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/gac-advice GAC Advice, NewgTLDs.ICANN.org]</ref><ref>[https://gacweb.icann.org/display/gacweb/Governmental+Advisory+Committee Beijing Communique Download, GACweb.ICANN.org]</ref> Line 71:
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Line 189: − ==Letter to U.S. Congress==+ − Following communication sent to [[ICANN]] and the African Union<Ref name="DCA Letter to Africa Union">[http://www.icann.org/en/news/correspondence/bekele-to-shinkaiye-12jul12-en DCA Letter: Opposition to the Application by UniForum ZA Central Registry for the .AFRICA gTLD] Published & Retrieved 12 July 2012</ref>, DCA appealed to members of the U.S. Congress in February, 2013. DCA wrote and reiterated their issues with the manner in which UniForum received and carried out the AU's endorsement. DCA notes that it does not feel there are sufficient mechanisms for appeal or dealing with illegalities over the new gTLD program and requested the U.S. Congress to intervene immediately to create an independent New gTLD Ombudsman for the entire ICANN New gTLD program, where such grievances will be heard and addressed<Ref name="DCA Letter to Congress">[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Letter-to-US-Senate-on-UniForum-escalation-21st-February-2013-from-DotConnectAfrica.pdf DCA Letter to US Congress about Africa,DotConnectAfrica.org] Published & Retrieved 22 Feb 2013</ref>+ + + + + + + + + + + + + − ==References==+ − {{reflist}} + + + − + + + + + + − __Notoc__+
no edit summary
| industry = Internet
| industry = Internet
| founded =
| founded =
| founders = Sophia Bekele
| founders = [[Sophia Bekele]]
| ownership =
| ownership =
| headquarters = I/F River Court 6th Denis Street Port Louis
| headquarters = I/F River Court 6th Denis Street Port Louis
| linkedin =
| linkedin =
| twitter =
| twitter =
| keypeople = [[Sophia Bekele]], Founder & Executive Director
| keypeople = <ul><li>[[Sophia Bekele]], Founder & CEO</li>
<li> Gavin Brown Chief, Technical Officer</li>
<li> Shanil Ramtohul, Chief Finance Officer</li>
<li> Dev R. Erriah, Corporate Council</li>
<li> Kim Gueho, Trust Fund Manager</li>
<li> Barry Ryan, Corporate Relations</li>
<li> Yassin Mashana, Vice Chair Strategic Advisory Board</li></ul>
}}
}}
'''DotConnectAfrica (DCA)''' is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization that has its base of operation in Nairobi, Kenya and headquartered in I/F River Court 6th Denis Street Port Louis, Mauritius, Africa. Its main objective is to sponsor, establish and operate the proposed new Top Level Domain (TLD) [[.africa]], pronounced as dotAfrica that will cater for the needs of the African and Pan-African constituency and also to address the lack of adequate internet policy in Africa. DCA is well represented in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, South Africa, London United Kingdom, and California, USA. <ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/about/ About DCA]</ref>
'''DotConnectAfrica (DCA)''' is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization that has its base of operation in Nairobi, Kenya and headquartered in I/F River Court 6th Denis Street Port Louis, Mauritius, Africa. Its main objective is to sponsor, establish and operate the proposed new Top Level Domain (TLD) [[.africa]], pronounced as dotAfrica that will cater for the needs of the African and Pan-African constituency and also to address the lack of adequate internet policy in Africa. DCA is well represented in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, South Africa, London United Kingdom, and California, USA. <ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/about/ About DCA]</ref>
==Mission==
==Mission==
DCA aims to accomplish the following missions:
DCA aims to accomplish the following missions:
DCA was founded in 2008 by [[Sophia Bekele]], who serves as Executive Director of the organization. Her intent, by supporting the .africa initiative, is to remove the internet policy divides in the African Region, and to support the region in catching up with the innovations of the worldwide Internet and Communications Technology industry. In 2009, the organization began its campaign to gather support for the .africa initiative by conducting forums in different universities and international conferences, among which were the Golden Gate University, UC Berkeley, Stanford University, Sacramento State University, the World Summit on the Information Society ([[WSIS]]), the United Nations Development of Economics & Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN).<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1103791866869.html The DotAfrica Issue, Thoughts from the Founder/Executive Director]</ref>
DCA was founded in 2008 by [[Sophia Bekele]], who serves as Executive Director of the organization. Her intent, by supporting the .africa initiative, is to remove the internet policy divides in the African Region, and to support the region in catching up with the innovations of the worldwide Internet and Communications Technology industry. In 2009, the organization began its campaign to gather support for the .africa initiative by conducting forums in different universities and international conferences, among which were the Golden Gate University, UC Berkeley, Stanford University, Sacramento State University, the World Summit on the Information Society ([[WSIS]]), the United Nations Development of Economics & Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN).<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1103791866869.html The DotAfrica Issue, Thoughts from the Founder/Executive Director]</ref>
The proposal to develop the DotAfrica TLD was first introduced by Sophia Bekele to the African Members of the [[ICANN Board]] and different African organizations of the ICANN community during the [[ICANN 28]] meeting in Lisbon, Portugal in 2007. She emphasized the importance of the .africa domain name for the benefit of the African region’s internet development and how it could serve as global identity for African internet users, as [[.asia]] and [[.eu]] do for their regions. Bekele argued that the initiative was compliant with the objectives and policies of various international organizations aiming to strengthen Africa's ICT sector, including the [[WSIS]], the African Union, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).<ref>[http://www.slideshare.net/Nyosef/dotafrica .Africa's Map in the Digital Inclusion: A Common Voice for Africa By Sophia Bekele]</ref>
The proposal to develop the DotAfrica TLD was first introduced by Sophia Bekele to the African Members of the [[ICANN Board]] in 2006 <ref>[http://www.prlog.org/10916169-dotconnectafrica-lauched-its-official-africa-campaign-at-the-aitec-ict-summit.html DotConnectAfrica lauched its official ".africa" campaign at the AITEC ICT Summit]</ref>, and different African organizations of the ICANN community during the [[ICANN 28]] meeting in Lisbon, Portugal in 2007<ref>[http://www.slideshare.net/Nyosef/dotafrica Africa's Map in Digital Inclusion Presention to ICANN, Lisbon Canada]</ref>. She emphasized the importance of the .africa domain name for the benefit of the African region’s internet development and how it could serve as global identity for African internet users, as [[.asia]] and [[.eu]] do for their regions. Bekele argued that the initiative was compliant with the objectives and policies of various international organizations aiming to strengthen Africa's ICT sector, including the [[WSIS]], the African Union, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).<ref>[http://www.slideshare.net/Nyosef/dotafrica .Africa's Map in the Digital Inclusion: A Common Voice for Africa By Sophia Bekele]</ref>
During the [[ICANN 32]] International ICANN Public Meeting, Bekele officially announced her bid to apply for the .africa TLD through DotConnectAfrica.<ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/2008/06/22-june-2008-paris-icann-dot-africa-initiative-announced-icann-paris-meeting/ 22 June 2008 – Paris ICANN: DotAfrica Initiative announced at ICANN Paris meeting]</ref>
During the [[ICANN 32]] International ICANN Public Meeting, Bekele officially announced her bid to apply for the .africa TLD through DotConnectAfrica.<ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/2008/06/22-june-2008-paris-icann-dot-africa-initiative-announced-icann-paris-meeting/ 22 June 2008 – Paris ICANN: DotAfrica Initiative announced at ICANN Paris meeting]</ref>
Despite the AU's retraction of support, DCA continued to campaign and promote its bid for .africa, particularly during [[ICANN Meetings]]. During the [[ICANN 38]] in Brussels, DCA served as one of the event sponsors. The organization also sponsored a delegation from Africa to take part in the policy debate that would help shape the position of the African community on the implementation of ICANN's [[New gTLD Program]].<ref>[http://www.prlog.org/10803421-progress-towards-africa-at-icann-38-in-brussels-the-capital-of-europe.html Progress towards a ".africa" at ICANN 38, in Brussels the Capital of Europe]</ref>
Despite the AU's retraction of support, DCA continued to campaign and promote its bid for .africa, particularly during [[ICANN Meetings]]. During the [[ICANN 38]] in Brussels, DCA served as one of the event sponsors. The organization also sponsored a delegation from Africa to take part in the policy debate that would help shape the position of the African community on the implementation of ICANN's [[New gTLD Program]].<ref>[http://www.prlog.org/10803421-progress-towards-africa-at-icann-38-in-brussels-the-capital-of-europe.html Progress towards a ".africa" at ICANN 38, in Brussels the Capital of Europe]</ref>
At [[ICANN 39]] in Cartagena, Columbia on December 2010, Bekele shared a statement during the public forum urging the ICANN Board not to delay the application process for new gTLDs, and enumerated the three key principles that serve as the foundation of DCA's governance for the .africa gTLD. These principles were: 1) branding the African continent's products and services through the .africa gTLD in order to inform people around the world about the positive things Africa has to offer; 2) DCA created “generation.africa” as a theme to empower the youth in Africa, helping them to adapt and use the power of the Internet; and 3) to shift the local domain name market from the US market of .com and .org to Africa, empowered by the DotAfrica registry to be located in the continent.<ref>[http://www.prlog.org/11150099-dotconnectafrica-statement-to-icann-public-forum-cartegena-colombia.html DotConnectAfrica statement to ICANN public forum, Cartegena, Colombia]</ref>
At [[ICANN 39]] in Cartagena, Colombia in December 2010, Bekele shared a statement during the public forum urging the ICANN Board not to delay the application process for new gTLDs, and enumerated the three key principles that serve as the foundation of DCA's governance for the .africa gTLD. These principles were: 1) branding the African continent's products and services through the .africa gTLD in order to inform people around the world about the positive things Africa has to offer; 2) DCA created “generation.africa” as a theme to empower the youth in Africa, helping them to adapt and use the power of the Internet; and 3) to shift the local domain name market from the US market of .com and .org to Africa, empowered by the DotAfrica registry to be located in the continent.<ref>[http://www.prlog.org/11150099-dotconnectafrica-statement-to-icann-public-forum-cartegena-colombia.html DotConnectAfrica statement to ICANN public forum, Cartegena, Colombia]</ref>
In March 2011, during the [[ICANN 40]] Meeting in San Francisco, DCA and its delegation introduced its Yes2DotAfrica Campaign. During the event, Bekele spoke to registry vendors about DCA's EOI to apply for .africa. She claimed that majority of the ICANN community supported her initiative. Bekele also said that DCA welcomed all African internet agencies and international partners that were willing to collaborate and provide guidance in the bid to apply for the .africa TLD.<ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/2011/03/yes2dotafrica-campaign-successful-icann-40-san-francisco-ca/ Yes2dotAfrica Campaign successful at ICANN 40 in San Francisco, CA]</ref>
In March 2011, during the [[ICANN 40]] Meeting in San Francisco, DCA and its delegation introduced its Yes2DotAfrica Campaign. During the event, Bekele spoke to registry vendors about DCA's EOI to apply for .africa. She claimed that majority of the ICANN community supported her initiative. Bekele also said that DCA welcomed all African internet agencies and international partners that were willing to collaborate and provide guidance in the bid to apply for the .africa TLD.<ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/2011/03/yes2dotafrica-campaign-successful-icann-40-san-francisco-ca/ Yes2dotAfrica Campaign successful at ICANN 40 in San Francisco, CA]</ref>
== Application to ICANN ==
== Application to ICANN ==
The DotAfrica [[.africa]] gTLD application was submitted by DCA Trust during the application window that opened on 12 January 2012 and closed on 22 May 2012. DCA hopes to win the mandate from ICANN for the management of the [[.africa]] gTLD to enable it administer this resource on behalf of its Pan-African constituency and other stakeholders around the globe.<ref>[http://gtldresult.icann.org/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/1276;jsessionid=2500230032894FB8CB3F16550E33DF0Farchive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1110237447043 ICANN New gTLDs - Application Details]</ref>
The DotAfrica ([[.africa]]) gTLD application was submitted by DCA Trust during the application window that opened on 12 January 2012 and closed on 22 May 2012. DCA hopes to win the mandate from ICANN for the management of the [[.africa]] gTLD to enable it administer this resource on behalf of its Pan-African constituency and other stakeholders around the globe.<ref>[http://gtldresult.icann.org/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/1276;jsessionid=2500230032894FB8CB3F16550E33DF0Farchive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1110237447043 ICANN New gTLDs - Application Details]</ref>
# "..the understanding as presently clarified by this communication is that DCA Trust has applied for the same 'Africa' geographical name string as UniForum and this will be confirmed by the outcome of the Independent String Similarity Panel who will review "applied-for gTLD strings against other applied-for gTLD strings. It is ridiculous for anyone to suggest that DCA Trust has applied for .dotAfrica as a geographic name without seeing the exact details of the underlying application which is yet to be evaluated by ICANN or considering the stipulations of the Guidebook regarding String Similarity Reviews and how String Contention Sets are arrived at.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1110237447043 Press Commentary: DCA Trust & UniForum SA have both applied for the same 'Africa' Geographic NameString]</ref><ref>[http://www.prlog.org/11899992-dca-trust-and-uniforum-sa-have-both-applied-for-the-same-africa-geographic-name.html Press Commentary: DCA Trust & UniForum SA have both applied for the same 'Africa' Geographic NameString]</ref>, <ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120725_dotconnectafrica_clarifies_its_africa_bid_at_eaigfl DotConnectAfrica Clarifies its .africa bid at EAIGF]</ref>
# "..the understanding as presently clarified by this communication is that DCA Trust has applied for the same 'Africa' geographical name string as UniForum and this will be confirmed by the outcome of the Independent String Similarity Panel who will review "applied-for gTLD strings against other applied-for gTLD strings. It is ridiculous for anyone to suggest that DCA Trust has applied for .dotAfrica as a geographic name without seeing the exact details of the underlying application which is yet to be evaluated by ICANN or considering the stipulations of the Guidebook regarding String Similarity Reviews and how String Contention Sets are arrived at.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1110237447043 Press Commentary: DCA Trust & UniForum SA have both applied for the same 'Africa' Geographic NameString]</ref><ref>[http://www.prlog.org/11899992-dca-trust-and-uniforum-sa-have-both-applied-for-the-same-africa-geographic-name.html Press Commentary: DCA Trust & UniForum SA have both applied for the same 'Africa' Geographic NameString]</ref>, <ref>[http://www.circleid.com/posts/20120725_dotconnectafrica_clarifies_its_africa_bid_at_eaigfl DotConnectAfrica Clarifies its .africa bid at EAIGF]</ref>
DCA Trust has made explicit commitment in its [[.africa]] application to ICANN that the Trust will establish a full-service Internet registry which will be operated by DCA Registry Services Ltd. in accordance with the technical and operational criteria and other specifications stipulated by ICANN in the new gTLD Applicants' Guidebook.
DCA Trust has made explicit commitment in its [[.africa]] application to ICANN that the Trust will establish a full-service Internet registry which will be operated by DCA Registry Services Ltd. in accordance with the technical and operational criteria and other specifications stipulated by ICANN in the new gTLD Applicants' Guidebook.
<big><i>Note:</i></big> Application to ICANN for DCA "AFRICA" geo-string is indicated as ".dotafrica" during the ICANN reveal date, on the ICANN website, dated 15 June 2012. <ref>[http://gtldresult.icann.org/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/1276;jsessionid=2500230032894FB8CB3F16550E33DF0Farchive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1110237447043 ICANN New gTLDs - Application Details]</ref> To minimize public confusion the company issued immediate press release to clarify its position on the matter.<ref>[http://www.prlog.org/11899992-dca-trust-and-uniforum-sa-have-both-applied-for-the-same-africa-geographic-name.html DCA Trust and UniForum SA have both applied for the same ‘Africa’ Geographic Name]</ref> In October 2012, DotConnectAfrica Trust (DCA Trust) received a change to their string to ".africa" from ".dotafrica".The change was officially approved by ICANN at the time when DCA was clarifying about the error in its application.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1110237447043.html DCA Trust & UniForum SA have both applied for the same 'Africa' Geographic Name]</ref> <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1110566675283.html DotConnectAfrica Clarifies its .africa bid at EAIGF]</ref><ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs123/1102516344150/archive/1111325860695.html Goodbye .DOTAFRICA - A significant landmark Victory in the battle for .Africa gTLD]</ref> During that time the competitive applicant for [[.africa]] was claiming that ICANN had confirmed that there is only one applicant for the .africa [[TLD]]).<ref>[http://africainonespace.org/news_item.php?id=45&title=ICANN%20AGREES%E2%80%A6THERE%20IS%20ONLY%20ONE%20APPLICANT%20FOR%20.AFRICA&utm_source=DCA+Trust+%26+UniForum+SA+have+both+applied+for+the+same+%27Africa%27+Geographic+Name+&utm_campaign=+DCA+Trust+%26+UniForum+SA+have+both+applied+for+the+same++%27Africa%27+Geographic+Name+String&utm_medium=archive ICANN agrees there is only one applicant for .africa]</ref>The ICANN update can be viewed at the New gTLD Current Application Status page.<ref>[http://gtldresult.icann.org/application-result/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/1276 DotConnectAfrica Application Details: Application ID: 1-1165-42560]</ref>
<big><i>Note:</i></big> Application to ICANN for DCA "AFRICA" geo-string is indicated as ".africa" during the ICANN reveal date, on the ICANN website, dated 15 June 2012. <ref>[http://gtldresult.icann.org/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/1276;jsessionid=2500230032894FB8CB3F16550E33DF0Farchive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1110237447043 ICANN New gTLDs - Application Details]</ref> To minimize public confusion the company issued immediate press release to clarify its position on the matter.<ref>[http://www.prlog.org/11899992-dca-trust-and-uniforum-sa-have-both-applied-for-the-same-africa-geographic-name.html DCA Trust and UniForum SA have both applied for the same ‘Africa’ Geographic Name]</ref> In October 2012, DotConnectAfrica Trust (DCA Trust) received a change to their string to ".africa" from ".dotafrica".The change was officially approved by ICANN at the time when DCA was clarifying about the error in its application.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1110237447043.html DCA Trust & UniForum SA have both applied for the same 'Africa' Geographic Name]</ref> <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1110566675283.html DotConnectAfrica Clarifies its .africa bid at EAIGF]</ref><ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs123/1102516344150/archive/1111325860695.html Goodbye .DOTAFRICA - A significant landmark Victory in the battle for .Africa gTLD]</ref> During that time the competitive applicant for [[.africa]] was claiming that ICANN had confirmed that there is only one applicant for the .africa [[TLD]]).<ref>[http://africainonespace.org/news_item.php?id=45&title=ICANN%20AGREES%E2%80%A6THERE%20IS%20ONLY%20ONE%20APPLICANT%20FOR%20.AFRICA&utm_source=DCA+Trust+%26+UniForum+SA+have+both+applied+for+the+same+%27Africa%27+Geographic+Name+&utm_campaign=+DCA+Trust+%26+UniForum+SA+have+both+applied+for+the+same++%27Africa%27+Geographic+Name+String&utm_medium=archive ICANN agrees there is only one applicant for .africa]</ref>The ICANN update can be viewed at the New gTLD Current Application Status page.<ref>[http://gtldresult.icann.org/application-result/applicationstatus/applicationdetails/1276 DotConnectAfrica Application Details: Application ID: 1-1165-42560]</ref>
<big><i>Benefits to Africa:</i></big>
<big><i>Benefits to Africa:</i></big>
DotConnectAfrica application received a GAC Objection advice which they submited a response<ref>[http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/gac-advice GAC Advice Response]. Published 2013 May 22. Retrieved 2013 May 22.</ref> . New gTLD Program Committee and subsequently gave recommendation that the GAC advice be followed. However the NGPC also gave the organization a channel through which they would appeal by seeking relief according to ICANN’s accountability mechanisms (see ICANN Bylaws, Articles IV and V) subject to the appropriate standing and procedural requirements.
DotConnectAfrica application received a GAC Objection advice which they submited a response<ref>[http://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/gac-advice GAC Advice Response]. Published 2013 May 22. Retrieved 2013 May 22.</ref> . New gTLD Program Committee and subsequently gave recommendation that the GAC advice be followed. However the NGPC also gave the organization a channel through which they would appeal by seeking relief according to ICANN’s accountability mechanisms (see ICANN Bylaws, Articles IV and V) subject to the appropriate standing and procedural requirements.
After the objection, DotConnectAfrica refused to back down and contacted the African Union as well as ICANN.<ref>[http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/index.php/living-and-the-arts/art/item/880-a-delayed-evaluation-pass-score-for-africa-competition A delayed evaluation "pass" score for .Africa competition].</ref> <ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/icann-related-2/icann-outreach-and-participation/letters-to-icann/#sthash.bCRzIBQX.dpuf Request for Immediate Reconsideration and Our Response to NGPC Resolution].</ref>. DCA also requested for a Reconsideration which ICANN denied prompting that organization to begin the Independent Review Process<ref>[http://www.icann.org/en/news/irp/dca-v-icann Independent Review Process].</ref><ref>[http://allafrica.com/stories/201401221336.html DCA Trust Takes '.africa' Case With Icann to Independent Review Process Panel].</ref><ref>[http://www.cio.co.ke/news/main-stories/dca-trust-takes-%E2%80%9C.africa%E2%80%9D-case-with-icann-to-independent-review-process-irp-panel DCA Trust takes “.africa” case with ICANN to Independent Review Process (IRP) Panel].</ref>
==IRP Process: DCA Vs ICANN ==
During ICANN new gTLDs initial evaluation of applications, DotConnectAfrica’s application passed all the evaluation criteria including Financial, Technical and Operational Capability Evaluation Panels. Its application was stopped due to the governmental objections effected at the ICANN Beijing meeting. DCA also requested for a Reconsideration which ICANN denied prompting that organization to begin the Independent Review Process. In January 2014, DotConnectAfrica Trust filed for an independent review of its application.<ref>[http://www.cio.co.ke/news/main-stories/dca-trust-takes-%E2%80%9C.africa%E2%80%9D-case-with-icann-to-independent-review-process-irp-panel DCA Trust takes “.africa” case with ICANN to Independent Review Process (IRP) Panel]</ref><ref>[http://allafrica.com/stories/201401221336.html DCA Trust Takes '.africa' Case With Icann to Independent Review Process Panel]</ref><ref>[https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/dca-v-icann-2013-12-11-en DCA Trust V ICANN]</ref>
'''IRP Injunction awarded DCA:''' DotConnectAfrica Trust (DCA) has won Round one in its case against ICANN for the ".africa" domain. The win stems 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>[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>[http://www.humanipo.com/news/43884/dotafrica-launch-further-delayed-by-dotconnectafrica-injunction/ dotAfrica launch further delayed by DotConnectAfrica injunction]</ref> <ref>[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>[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>[http://allafrica.com/stories/201405131325.html DCA Trust Wins First Round Against Icann in Injunction On Dotafrica Domain]</ref><ref>[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 DotAfrica 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>[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>[http://allafrica.com/stories/201409110194.html Africa: Panel Accepts DCA's Position On Procedural Framework On Dotafrica IRP]</ref> <ref>[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>[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>[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>
'''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>
[[Category:Organizations]]
==Letter to U.S. Congress==
Following communication sent to [[ICANN]] and the African Union<Ref name="DCA Letter to Africa Union">[http://www.icann.org/en/news/correspondence/bekele-to-shinkaiye-12jul12-en DCA Letter: Opposition to the Application by UniForum ZA Central Registry for the .AFRICA gTLD] Published & Retrieved 12 July 2012</ref>, DCA appealed to members of the U.S. Congress in February, 2013. DCA wrote and reiterated their issues with the manner in which UniForum received and carried out the AU's endorsement. DCA notes that it does not feel there are sufficient mechanisms for appeal or dealing with illegalities over the new gTLD program and requested the U.S. Congress to intervene immediately to create an independent New gTLD Ombudsman for the entire ICANN New gTLD program, where such grievances will be heard and addressed<Ref name="DCA Letter to Congress">[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Letter-to-US-Senate-on-UniForum-escalation-21st-February-2013-from-DotConnectAfrica.pdf DCA Letter to US Congress about Africa,DotConnectAfrica.org] Published & Retrieved 22 Feb 2013</ref>
==References==
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[[Category:NTLD Applicants]]