Changes

'''"No Campaign DotAfrica"''' was a concentrated e-mail based protest effort that was undertaken by the Yes2DotAfrica campaign, an initiative of the DotConnectAfrica Organization (DCA) ostensibly to counter the perceived threat posed to DCA’s standing and prospective application to ICANN for the new DotAfrica generic Top Level Domain (gTLD).  

'''"No Campaign DotAfrica"''' was a concentrated e-mail based protest effort that was undertaken by the Yes2DotAfrica campaign, an initiative of the DotConnectAfrica Organization (DCA) ostensibly to counter the perceived threat posed to DCA’s standing and prospective application to ICANN for the new DotAfrica generic Top Level Domain (gTLD).  

The "No Campaign DotAfrica" featured high drama and ran from 2010 and peaked in the fall of 2011, when DCA circulated many No Campaigns to its readers.

The "No Campaign DotAfrica" cause commotion and ran from 2010 and peaked in 2011, when DCA circulated many No Campaigns to its readers.

==Why the NO Campaigns==

==Why the NO Campaigns==

According to the justification issued by the company, the ‘No Campaigns’ were further used by the DCA to help shed more light on the opaque activities and shifting tactics of detractors that might not be readily transparent to those who have been following the DotAfrica debate, to expose the acts of illegality, and other conflicting interests of the detractors of DCA, and show that they are not suited to lead, or be engaged in the DotAfrica project.  <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1107732654578.html The Justification for our "NO" Campaigns]</ref>

According to the justification issued by the company, the ‘No Campaigns’ were further used by the DCA to help shed more light on the opaque activities and shifting tactics of detractors that might not be readily transparent to those who have been following the DotAfrica debate, to expose the acts of illegality, and other conflicting interests of the detractors of DCA, and show that they are not suited to lead, or be engaged in the DotAfrica project.  <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1107732654578.html The Justification for our "NO" Campaigns]</ref>

Most observers praised DCA for its commitment to transparency which was evident in the content of the No Campaigns, as can be read from the comments received from various individuals.  <ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/media-coverage/comments/ Comments to the "NO" Campaigns]</ref> Other persons also criticized DCA for running a negative campaign and for naming names (mentioning the names of certain individuals) in its email circulations. Because of such criticisms, the DCA was forced on several occasions to defend itself and explain why it had to embark on the No Campaign by issuing clarifications. <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1107732654578.html The Justification for our "NO" Campaigns]</ref>

Most observers praised DCA for its commitment to transparency which was evident in the content of the No Campaigns, as can be read from the comments received from various individuals.  <ref>[http://www.dotconnectafrica.org/media-coverage/comments/ Comments to the "NO" Campaigns]</ref> Other persons also criticized DCA for running a negative campaign and for naming names (mentioning the names of certain individuals) in its email circulations. Because of such criticisms, the DCA was forced on several occasions to defend itself and explain why it had to embark on the No Campaign by issuing clarifications. <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1107732654578.html The Justification for our "NO" Campaigns]</ref>

 

==History on NO Campaigns==

==History on NO Campaigns==

The No campaigns were first used by the organization to raise awareness to misleading information pertaining to the process of obtaining the first ever African top level domain. ‘No Campaign’, is an obverse to the “Yes2dotAfrica Campaign”. DCA’s involvement in the ‘No Campaigns’ as follows: When DotConnectAfrica started the .africa journey they did not foresee the adverse effect on their yesto dotafrica campaign work by detractors who, if left unchecked would torpedo the DotAfrica dream.  

The No campaigns were first used by the organization to raise awareness to misleading information pertaining to the process of obtaining the first ever African top level domain. ‘No Campaign’, is an obverse to the “Yes2dotAfrica Campaign”. DCA’s involvement in the ‘No Campaigns’ as follows: When DotConnectAfrica started the .africa journey they did not foresee the adverse effect on their yesto dotafrica campaign work by detractors who, if left unchecked would torpedo the DotAfrica dream. [[File:Say_No_to_the_.africa_CABAL.jpg|450px|thumb|right|<div align="center">Say "No" to the DotAfrica CABAL:06 September 2011</div>|link=http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1107431408048.html]]

This was evident after they had won the pivotal AU endorsement, the willful sabotage of these efforts foisted an ‘underground cold war’ of attrition on DCA, thus forcing DCA to fight in self-defense and respond to issues where it is either a named party or as a sidelined interlocutor. The issues included but not limited to misrepresentation of DCA’s mission and purpose, its principals and stakeholder communities, misinformation to the public on the implementation of DotAfrica and its merit, and efforts to counter mass media manipulation.

This was evident after they had won the pivotal AU endorsement, the willful sabotage of these efforts foisted an ‘underground cold war’ of attrition on DCA, thus forcing DCA to fight in self-defense and respond to issues where it is either a named party or as a sidelined interlocutor. The issues included but not limited to misrepresentation of DCA’s mission and purpose, its principals and stakeholder communities, misinformation to the public on the implementation of DotAfrica and its merit, and efforts to counter mass media manipulation.

=== Yes2dotAfrica Campaign says "NO" to AfTLD===

=== Yes2dotAfrica Campaign says "NO" to African Union RFP ===

The African Top Level Domain Name (AfTLD) announced a press release few days before the ICANN 40 meeting  asking "African Union" to get a mandate to run ".africa" registry. This was exposed by DotConnectAfrica as an equivalent to AfTLD attempting an illegal coup d'etat against DotConnectAfrica (DCA) efforts to run the .africa registry as the premier originator of the .africa project who had already been endorsed by African Union to DCA since 2009.

DotConnectAfrica also wrote this no campaign to prevent an "Outsourcing" DotAfrica through an AU-sponsored RFP. DotConnectAfrica felt that the issuance of this RFP, was a clear official deviation from the earlier position contained in the 'Briefing Note on DotAfrica'. Since the Africa Union no longer intended to apply directly for DotAfrica, it simply decided instituting an unnecessary and illegal RFP that would lead to the selection of a Consortium that the AU will outsource DotAfrica to, whilst retaining policy oversight process to enable it choose a partner that will apply for DotAfrica.  [[DotConnectAfrica]] declined to participate in the Africa union RFP and instead applied for .africa on its own. <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1108683982073.html  DCA Exclusive: The Illegitimate 'African Agenda' for Dakar: Say No to the ARC]</ref>

The reasons given were that AfTLD dis not have the mandate to do ".africa" [[gTLD]]. They are associations of ccTLDs. [[ccTLD]] organization running a [[gTLD]] will mean stifling competition as there will be a Conflict of Interest in their mandates.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1104815470848.html Yes2dotAfrica Campaign says "No" to AfTLD]</ref>

===Say "NO" to the ARC: The Illegitimate 'African Agenda' for Dakar  ===

During the [[ICANN]] 42nd Meeting held from 23rd to 28th October 20 11 in Dakar Senegal, there was an 'African Ministerial Round-Table' meeting that was organized as a preICANN organized from the 19th to 21st October 2011supposedly to  generate an 'African Agenda' as a resolution that will be presented as an input to the official [[ICANN]] 42 Meeting. However What [[DotConnectAfrica]] found to be suspect and worrying about theextra-ordinary meeting of experts was the role being played by Mr. Pierre Dandjinou and the nexus that has been established between Monsieur Dandjinou and the newly formed African Registry Consortium (ARC) with an avowed diabolical intention of hijacking DotAfrica.

=== Yes2dotAfrica says "NO" to Nii Quaynor, Vice Chair of AU dotafrica Taskforce  ===

This became an early warning of the expected results of the meeting that resulted in the communiqué to ICANN for the reservation of .africa related names that was later rejected <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1108039247315.html DCA Exclusive: Say No to the ARC; The Illegitimate 'African Agenda' for Dakar]</ref>

DotConnectAfrica wrote this campaign the effort of exposing the Activities of the 'Real' Dr. Nii Quaynor - Vice Chair of AU Taskforce and his unwholesome Activities regarding DotAfrica. Dr. Nii Quaynor had been found to be an unwholesome and a largely negative influence regarding the DotAfrica initiative.

The campaign urged him to dissociate himself completely from anything to do with DotAfrica that included any proffering advice or consulting any organization or affiliating himself to any prospective bidder - whether eligible, real, or imaginary.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1104994724388.html Yes2dotAfrica Say "No" to Nii Quaynor, Vice Chair of AU dotafrica Taskforce ]</ref>

=== Yes2dotAfrica Campaign says "NO" to African Union "EOI” ===

=== Say "NO" to the ARC-African Registry: The Leopard Cannot Change its Spots===

DCA started this awareness about the African Union introduction of an Expression of Interest to run .africa. The Communiqué was issued to clarify its position on DotAfrica stated that it will float an Expression of Interest process to short-list bidders to be endorsed for DotAfrica, and as of Week 20 of 2011 . This was regarded an unnecessary effort and also it was evident that the EOI process had been  discredited, and considered a step to officially hijack the DotAfrica Initiative using supposititious African Union official machinery also termed 'AU-led'-process, to favour AfTLD. <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1105649721626.html  Yes2Africa Campaign say "NO" to African Union "EOI”]</ref>

DCA started this awareness about the African Union introduction of an Expression of Interest to run .africa. The Communiqué was issued to clarify its position on DotAfrica stated that it will float an Expression of Interest process to short-list bidders to be endorsed for DotAfrica, and as of Week 20 of 2011 . This was regarded an unnecessary effort and also it was evident that the EOI process had been  discredited, and considered a step to officially hijack the DotAfrica Initiative using supposititious African Union official machinery also termed 'AU-led'-process, to favour AfTLD. <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1106696043739.html  The Leopard Cannot Change its Spots: Say "No" to the ARC-African Registry  ]</ref>

=== Say "NO" to the CABAL (special-interest coalitions) that is trying to hijack DotAfrica! ===

=== Say "NO" to the CABAL (special-interest coalitions) that is trying to hijack DotAfrica! ===

<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1107431408048.html Say "No" to the CABAL (special-interest coalitions) that is trying to hijack DotAfrica! ]</ref>

<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1107431408048.html Say "No" to the CABAL (special-interest coalitions) that is trying to hijack DotAfrica! ]</ref>

=== Say "NO" to the ARC-African Registry: The Leopard Cannot Change its Spots===

=== Yes2dotAfrica Campaign says "NO" to African Union "EOI” ===

DCA started this awareness about the African Union introduction of an Expression of Interest to run .africa. The Communiqué was issued to clarify its position on DotAfrica stated that it will float an Expression of Interest process to short-list bidders to be endorsed for DotAfrica, and as of Week 20 of 2011 . This was regarded an unnecessary effort and also it was evident that the EOI process had been  discredited, and considered a step to officially hijack the DotAfrica Initiative using supposititious African Union official machinery also termed 'AU-led'-process, to favour AfTLD. <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1106696043739.html  The Leopard Cannot Change its Spots: Say "No" to the ARC-African Registry  ]</ref>

DCA started this awareness about the African Union introduction of an Expression of Interest to run .africa. The Communiqué was issued to clarify its position on DotAfrica stated that it will float an Expression of Interest process to short-list bidders to be endorsed for DotAfrica, and as of Week 20 of 2011 . This was regarded an unnecessary effort and also it was evident that the EOI process had been  discredited, and considered a step to officially hijack the DotAfrica Initiative using supposititious African Union official machinery also termed 'AU-led'-process, to favour AfTLD. <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1105649721626.html  Yes2Africa Campaign say "NO" to African Union "EOI”]</ref>

===Say "NO" to the ARC: The Illegitimate 'African Agenda' for Dakar  ===

=== Yes2dotAfrica says "NO" to Nii Quaynor, Vice Chair of AU dotafrica Taskforce  ===

During the [[ICANN]] 42nd Meeting held from 23rd to 28th October 20 11 in Dakar Senegal, there was an 'African Ministerial Round-Table' meeting that was organized as a preICANN organized from the 19th to 21st October 2011supposedly to  generate an 'African Agenda' as a resolution that will be presented as an input to the official [[ICANN]] 42 Meeting. However What [[DotConnectAfrica]] found to be suspect and worrying about theextra-ordinary meeting of experts was the role being played by Mr. Pierre Dandjinou and the nexus that has been established between Monsieur Dandjinou and the newly formed African Registry Consortium (ARC) with an avowed diabolical intention of hijacking DotAfrica.

DotConnectAfrica wrote this campaign the effort of exposing the Activities of the 'Real' Dr. Nii Quaynor - Vice Chair of AU Taskforce and his unwholesome Activities regarding DotAfrica. Dr. Nii Quaynor had been found to be an unwholesome and a largely negative influence regarding the DotAfrica initiative.

The campaign urged him to dissociate himself completely from anything to do with DotAfrica that included any proffering advice or consulting any organization or affiliating himself to any prospective bidder - whether eligible, real, or imaginary.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1104994724388.html  Yes2dotAfrica Say "No" to Nii Quaynor, Vice Chair of AU dotafrica Taskforce ]</ref>

This became an early warning of the expected results of the meeting that resulted in the communiqué to ICANN for the reservation of .africa related names that was later rejected <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1108039247315.html DCA Exclusive: Say No to the ARC; The Illegitimate 'African Agenda' for Dakar]</ref>

The reasons given were that AfTLD does not have the mandate to do ".africa" [[gTLD]]. They are associations of ccTLDs. [[ccTLD]] organization running a [[gTLD]] will mean stifling competition as there will be a Conflict of Interest in their mandates.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1104815470848.html Yes2dotAfrica Campaign says "No" to AfTLD]</ref>

=== Yes2dotAfrica Campaign says "NO" to African Union RFP ===

=== Vote "NO" for Pierre Dandjinou for [[ICANN]] Board ===

DotConnectAfrica also wrote this no campaign to prevent an "Outsourcing" DotAfrica through an AU-sponsored RFP. DotConnectAfrica felt that the issuance of this RFP, was a clear official deviation from the earlier position contained in the 'Briefing Note on DotAfrica'. Since the Africa Union no longer intended to apply directly for DotAfrica, it simply decided instituting an unnecessary and illegal RFP that would lead to the selection of a Consortium that the AU will outsource DotAfrica to, whilst retaining policy oversight process to enable it choose a partner that will apply for DotAfrica.  [[DotConnectAfrica]] declined to participate in the Africa union RFP and instead applied for .africa on its own. <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1108683982073.html DCA Exclusive: The Illegitimate 'African Agenda' for Dakar: Say No to the ARC]</ref>

This was a November 2010 No campaign where DotConnectAfrica expressed its strong objection to Dandjinou's nomination and appointment to [[ICANN]] Board seat no. 15, on 8 counts backed up by material sourced from websites, discussion groups and email exchanges. DCA wrote to the At Large Board Candidate Evaluation Committee (BCEC), on November 14, 2010 <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1103922377740.html Vote "NO" for Pierre Dandjinou for ICANN Board]</ref>

==Rejoinders and Commentaries==

==Rejoinders and Commentaries==

DotConnectAfrica also featured rejoinders and rejoninders as clarifications to online reports that may have been inaccurate in giving information about the .africa issues.

DotConnectAfrica also featured rejoinders and rejoninders as clarifications to online reports that may have been inaccurate in giving information about the .africa issues.

===History of Rejoinders===

===History of Rejoinders===

We have applied for the 6-charcter ASCII string that references the geographic name 'Africa'.  The reveal by ICANN clearly indicates that DCA Trust has submitted an application for a geographic name.   

We have applied for the 6-charcter ASCII string that references the geographic name 'Africa'.  The reveal by ICANN clearly indicates that DCA Trust has submitted an application for a geographic name.   

====REJOINDER to DomainIncite: "DotConnectAfrica — disconnected from reality?"====

====REJOINDER to DomainIncite: "DotConnectAfrica — disconnected from reality?"====

The rejoinder also clarified that in the final analysis, ICANN, and not the AU has the pertinent rights over the DotAfrica gTLD <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1110608545772.html REJOINDER: DCA believes only ICANN should decide on DotAfrica]</ref>

The rejoinder also clarified that in the final analysis, ICANN, and not the AU has the pertinent rights over the DotAfrica gTLD <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1110608545772.html REJOINDER: DCA believes only ICANN should decide on DotAfrica]</ref>

'''Exclusive Commentaries'''

DCA wrote to the Daily Champion Newspapers Ltd to ask the organization to seek clarify and offer factual reportage on the .africa gtld stories. DCA brought attention regarding stories relating to DotAfrica that had been reported by Mr. Remmy Nweke, a staff member in a biast manner in favour of those who continue to sabotage and oppose DCA's efforts either by hook or crook on the DotAfrica issue. <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1106342802224.html REJOINDER to ComputerWorld Kenya: "African Union and the .Africa Debate"]</ref>

 

 

 

 

 

===Exclusive Commentaries===

This is collection of several rejoinders that were written to clarify on specific concerns about the .africa domain progress.

This is collection of several rejoinders that were written to clarify on specific concerns about the .africa domain progress.

===History of Commentaries===

'''History of Commentaries'''

DCA used rejoinders and commentaries to offer clarifications and responses behind .africa initiative and its related activities, particularly focusing to those online media reports which DCA believed were manipulating public opinion.

DCA used rejoinders and commentaries to offer clarifications and responses behind .africa initiative and its related activities, particularly focusing to those online media reports which DCA believed were manipulating public opinion.

   

   

DCA Trust clarified that it was important that the ICANN Africa Strategy is not misrepresented in terms of its overall goals, and the type of strategic impact it is supposed to engender in the short to medium term.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs123/1102516344150/archive/1111375141455.html DCA Exclusive Commentary: The "ICANN Africa Strategy" Is Not the Same as African Agenda]</ref>

DCA Trust clarified that it was important that the ICANN Africa Strategy is not misrepresented in terms of its overall goals, and the type of strategic impact it is supposed to engender in the short to medium term.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs123/1102516344150/archive/1111375141455.html DCA Exclusive Commentary: The "ICANN Africa Strategy" Is Not the Same as African Agenda]</ref>

====DCA Exclusive Commentary: Official Public Comments for the ICANN Evaluation Panel on the ZACR Application====

====DCA Exclusive Commentary: Official Public Comments for the ICANN Evaluation Panel on the ZACR Application====

(4) On Financial Capability DCA said that ZACR provided an Understated Registry COI Amount (comment whi was therefore “Not Enough for Critical Registry Function” as required before managing a top level domain registry. DCA Also complained on the Unit Selling Price of Domain Names which was higher and not consistent. And finally a Possible Conflict in Business Model used by ZACR in proposing the .africa registry.

(4) On Financial Capability DCA said that ZACR provided an Understated Registry COI Amount (comment whi was therefore “Not Enough for Critical Registry Function” as required before managing a top level domain registry. DCA Also complained on the Unit Selling Price of Domain Names which was higher and not consistent. And finally a Possible Conflict in Business Model used by ZACR in proposing the .africa registry.

 

====DCA Press Briefing: African Union & UNIFORUM SA should beware, Pride goeth before a fall. ====

====DCA Press Briefing: African Union & UNIFORUM SA should beware, Pride goeth before a fall. ====

DotConnectAfrica wrote the commentary as a informative analysis of the .Africa application controversies and press reports saying that they were quite misleading since a firm cannot be selected to administer a domain that has not yet been delegated. They also clarified the very impossibility of the African Union mainstreaming itself strategically within a particular proposal in a policy-oversight role whilst also playing the tactical role of a 'self-endorsing' entity in order to singularly control the fate of DotAfrica. The commentary stated that only ICANN can delegate a domain, they also challenged the African Union to act immediately in the greater interest of global public transparency and accountability, to release forthwith, the details of the EOI process and the RFP.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1109846725800.html DCA Press Briefing :African Union & UNIFORUM SA should beware, Pride goeth before a fall]</ref>

DotConnectAfrica wrote the commentary as a informative analysis of the .Africa application controversies and press reports saying that they were quite misleading since a firm cannot be selected to administer a domain that has not yet been delegated. They also clarified the very impossibility of the African Union mainstreaming itself strategically within a particular proposal in a policy-oversight role whilst also playing the tactical role of a 'self-endorsing' entity in order to singularly control the fate of DotAfrica. The commentary stated that only ICANN can delegate a domain, they also challenged the African Union to act immediately in the greater interest of global public transparency and accountability, to release forthwith, the details of the EOI process and the RFP.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1109846725800.html DCA Press Briefing :African Union & UNIFORUM SA should beware, Pride goeth before a fall]</ref>

DCA trust wrote this commentary as a response to the ICANN's Official Response to African Union on Request to Reserve DotAfrica Name who stated that "ICANN is not able to take actions that would go outside of the community-established and documented guideline of the program to provide the special treatment you have requested. ICANN does wish to explain, however that protections exist that will allow the African Union and its member states to play a prominent role in determining the outcome of any application for these top-level domain name strings." This was taken to be a strong vindication for DCA’s strong opposition on reserving .africa related names.

DCA trust wrote this commentary as a response to the ICANN's Official Response to African Union on Request to Reserve DotAfrica Name who stated that "ICANN is not able to take actions that would go outside of the community-established and documented guideline of the program to provide the special treatment you have requested. ICANN does wish to explain, however that protections exist that will allow the African Union and its member states to play a prominent role in determining the outcome of any application for these top-level domain name strings." This was taken to be a strong vindication for DCA’s strong opposition on reserving .africa related names.

<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1109563755493.html  DCA Exclusive Commentary: A Moral Victory: ICANN response to AU]</ref>

<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1109563755493.html  DCA Exclusive Commentary: A Moral Victory: ICANN response to AU]</ref>

====DCA Exclusive Commentary:Official response to the draft resolution of meeting of experts and the African Ministerial ROUND-Table in Dakar for the 'African Agenda ICANN====

====DCA Exclusive Commentary:Official response to the draft resolution of meeting of experts and the African Ministerial ROUND-Table in Dakar for the 'African Agenda ICANN====

DCA wrote the commentary to re-affirm its earlier position that the programme of the Dakar meeting agenda excluded many important stake-holders, which made it impossible for the voice and technical views of many organizations including DCA to be heard at the meeting(s). DCA also voiced the notion that it believed that this deliberate exclusion was pre-determined in a stage-managed fashion in order to produce a certain 'runner-stamped' outcome by the meeting.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1108241322041.html  DCA Exclusive Commentary: DCA Commentary on the African Ministerial Table Outcome]</ref>

DCA wrote the commentary to re-affirm its earlier position that the programme of the Dakar meeting agenda excluded many important stake-holders, which made it impossible for the voice and technical views of many organizations including DCA to be heard at the meeting(s). DCA also voiced the notion that it believed that this deliberate exclusion was pre-determined in a stage-managed fashion in order to produce a certain 'rubber-stamped' outcome by the meeting.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1108241322041.html  DCA Exclusive Commentary: DCA Commentary on the African Ministerial Table Outcome]</ref>

====DCA Commentary: DCA’s Statement at the African Meeting on .Africa at Dakar====

====DCA Commentary: DCA’s Statement at the African Meeting on .Africa at Dakar====

DCA Also wrote this commentary noting that article should have amplified more, the genuine concerns that DCA has raised repeatedly concerning possible irregularities, conflict of interests, willful sabotage and unfair play and other large-scale illegalities that may have been committed. .<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1105712464474.html DCA Commentary: ComputerWorld: AU requests proposals for .africa Registry]</ref>

DCA Also wrote this commentary noting that article should have amplified more, the genuine concerns that DCA has raised repeatedly concerning possible irregularities, conflict of interests, willful sabotage and unfair play and other large-scale illegalities that may have been committed. .<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1105712464474.html DCA Commentary: ComputerWorld: AU requests proposals for .africa Registry]</ref>

====DCA Commentary: AU "Briefing Note on DotAfrica"====

====DCA Commentary: "DCA Response to" AU "Briefing Note on DotAfrica"====

DCA used this commentary to set the records straight and debunk some of their untruthful claims, whilst exposing their lack of proper knowledge regarding how the ICANN process works.

DCA used this commentary to set the records straight and debunk some of their untruthful claims, whilst exposing their lack of proper knowledge regarding how the ICANN process works.[[File:Confusion_dotafrica.jpg|550px|thumb|left|<div align="center">Say "No" to the DotAfrica CABAL:06 September 2011</div>|link=http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1107431408048.html]]

DCA used this opportunity to set the records straight and debunk some of their untruthful claims, and also exposing the African Unions lack of proper knowledge regarding how the ICANN process works: The Response noted that "It is clear that the extraordinary process instituted by the AU Commission more or less usurps ICANN's bidding process at the international level and could be interpreted as an attempt to blacklist the rest of the competition to the extent that it (the self-endorsing AU) wants to apply directly to ICANN and also choose the registry operator. Whereas the open international competitive bidding process regarding the DotAfrica gTLD is owned by ICANN, it is obvious that the AU now intends to take-over the entire process as a sort of supranational telecommunications regulator and Internet governance body for Africa.  Perhaps the African Union might as well own and operate Air Afrique and become a participant in the airline business sector as well, since 'Afrique' refers to a named geography like DotAfrica."  <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1105700646250.html  DCA Commentary on AU "Briefing Note on DotAfrica" ]</ref>

DCA used this opportunity to set the records straight and debunk some of their untruthful claims, and also exposing the African Unions lack of proper knowledge regarding how the ICANN process works: The Response noted that "It is clear that the extraordinary process instituted by the AU Commission more or less usurps ICANN's bidding process at the international level and could be interpreted as an attempt to blacklist the rest of the competition to the extent that it (the self-endorsing AU) wants to apply directly to ICANN and also choose the registry operator. Whereas the open international competitive bidding process regarding the DotAfrica gTLD is owned by ICANN, it is obvious that the AU now intends to take-over the entire process as a sort of supranational telecommunications regulator and Internet governance body for Africa.  Perhaps the African Union might as well own and operate Air Afrique and become a participant in the airline business sector as well, since 'Afrique' refers to a named geography like DotAfrica."  <ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1105700646250.html  DCA Commentary on AU "Briefing Note on DotAfrica" ]</ref>

====DCA Commentary: Response to the AU Commission Communiqué on DotAfrica====

====DCA Commentary:"DCA" Response to the AU Commission Communiqué on DotAfrica====

As a party that was specifically named in the said Communiqué, since its provenance is unknown, DCA feels compelled to exercise its right to reply, and also issue a clarification of its own. Moreover, the Communiqué is unsigned and no one really knows what process led to its release on the AU Web Site.  

As a party that was specifically named in the said Communiqué, since its provenance is unknown, DCA feels compelled to exercise its right to reply, and also issue a clarification of its own. Moreover, the Communiqué is unsigned and no one really knows what process led to its release on the AU Web Site.  

DCA felt VINDICATED that its concerted campaigns over the past couple of months led the AU Commission to now issue this clarification.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1105521137332.html  Press Release: DCA Commentary: Response to the AU Commission Communiqué DotAfrica]</ref>

DCA felt VINDICATED that its concerted campaigns over the past couple of months led the AU Commission to now issue this clarification.<ref>[http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1102516344150/archive/1105521137332.html  Press Release: DCA Commentary: Response to the AU Commission Communiqué DotAfrica]</ref>

====DCA Exclusive Commentary: A TRAVESTY - AFRICA Internet Governance Forum (AFIGF)====

====DCA Exclusive Commentary: A TRAVESTY - AFRICA Internet Governance Forum (AFIGF)====

==Other related articles==

==Other related articles==

Following the end of the  "No campaign", media reports continue to report on the controversies and specific details of the process that was affecting the two applications of the .africa domain to ICANN.

The .Africa domain has received much media reporting on the controversies and specific details of the process of preparing to set the .africa domain.

   

Select reports include:

 

*Award of DotAfrica contract to ZACR raises doubts over ICANN’s credibility (March 30 2014)<ref>[http://cio.co.ke/blog/award-of-dotafrica-contract-to-zacr-raises-doubts-over-icann%E2%80%99s-credibility Award of DotAfrica contract to ZACR raises doubts over ICANN’s credibility]</ref>

*DCA objects to new GAC advice on dotAfrica domain (August 12 2014)<ref>[http://www.cio.co.ke/news/top-stories/dca-objects-to-new-gac-advice-on-dotafrica-domain DCA objects to new GAC advice on dotAfrica domain]</ref>

 

*LERATO MA – Joan of Arc of .africa: A case of anonymity and not a fake identity (January 4 2013)<ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/lerato-ma-the-joan-arc-of-dotafrica-a-case-of-anonymity-and-not-a-fake-identity/ LERATO MA – Joan of Arc of .africa: A case of anonymity and not a fake identity]</ref>

*A delayed evaluation "pass" score for .Africa competition (August 24 2013)<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>

*Nii Narku Quaynor, Father of Internet, Ghana – The Christmas Tree of African Technical community (September 11 2013)<ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/nii-narku-quaynor-father-of-internet-ghana-the-christmas-tree-of-african-technical-community/ Nii Narku Quaynor, Father of Internet, Ghana – The Christmas Tree of African Technical community]</ref>

*DotConnectAfrica’s .africa gTLD Endorsement Treatment at the Africa Union Commission (September 18 2013)<ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/dotconnectafricas-dotafrica-gtld-endorsement-treatment-at-the-africa-union-commission/ DotConnectAfrica’s .africa gTLD Endorsement Treatment at the Africa Union Commission]</ref>

*DCA Trust raises ethical questions, writes to newly elected African Union Leaders on .africa debacle (October 2013)<ref>[http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/index.php/living-and-the-arts/society/item/1143-dca-trust-raises-ethical-questions-writes-to-newly-elected-african-union-leaders-on-africa-debacle DCA Trust raises ethical questions, writes to newly elected African Union Leaders on .africa debacle]</ref>

*August 1 2012- The curious and lingering case of .dotafrica! <ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/the-curious-case-of-dotafrica-2/ The curious and lingering case of .dotafrica!]</ref>  

*The curious and lingering case of .dotafrica! (August 1 2012)<ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/the-curious-case-of-dotafrica-2/ The curious and lingering case of .dotafrica!]</ref>

*September 6 2012- ICANN Announces The 7 Criteria On Whether Changes To New gTLD Applications Will Be Approved <ref>[http://www.thedomains.com/2012/09/06/icann-announces-the-7-criteria-on-whether-changes-to-new-gtld-applications-will-be-approved/ ICANN Announces The 7 Criteria On Whether Changes To New gTLD Applications Will Be Approved]</ref>

*ICANN Announces The 7 Criteria On Whether Changes To New gTLD Applications Will Be Approved (September 6 2012) <ref>[http://www.thedomains.com/2012/09/06/icann-announces-the-7-criteria-on-whether-changes-to-new-gtld-applications-will-be-approved/ ICANN Announces The 7 Criteria On Whether Changes To New gTLD Applications Will Be Approved]</ref>

*October 5 2012- I Will Win .Africa Because I have friends in High Places: Case of Conflicted Board Members <ref>[http://domainingafrica.com/i-will-win-africa-because-i-have-friends-in-high-places-case-of-conflicted-board-members/ I Will Win .Africa Because I have friends in High Places: Case of Conflicted Board Members ]</ref>  

*I Will Win .Africa Because I have friends in High Places: Case of Conflicted Board Members (October 5 2012)<ref>[http://domainingafrica.com/i-will-win-africa-because-i-have-friends-in-high-places-case-of-conflicted-board-members/ I Will Win .Africa Because I have friends in High Places: Case of Conflicted Board Members ]</ref>

*November 10 2012- Goodbye .DOTAFRICA: A Landmark Victory for DotConnectAfrica <ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/goodbye-dotafrica-a-landmark-victory-for-dotconnectafrica/ Goodbye .DOTAFRICA: A Landmark Victory for DotConnectAfrica]</ref>

*Goodbye .DOTAFRICA: A Landmark Victory for DotConnectAfrica (November 10 2012)<ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/goodbye-dotafrica-a-landmark-victory-for-dotconnectafrica/ Goodbye .DOTAFRICA: A Landmark Victory for DotConnectAfrica]</ref>

*January 4 2013- LERATO MA – Joan of Arc of .africa: A case of anonymity and not a fake identity<ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/lerato-ma-the-joan-arc-of-dotafrica-a-case-of-anonymity-and-not-a-fake-identity/ LERATO MA – Joan of Arc of .africa: A case of anonymity and not a fake identity]</ref>

 

*January 24 2013- ICANN Board Recommendation to AUC prejudicial to DotConnectAfrica’s .africa application! <ref>[http://domainingafrica.com/icann-board-recommendation-to-auc-prejudicial-to-dotconnectafrica-dotafrica-application/ ICANN Board Recommendation to AUC prejudicial to DotConnectAfrica’s .africa application!]</ref>

*February 13 2013- ICANN Chair Steve Crocker Dance Recital with .ZA, South Africa<ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/icann-chair-steve-crocker-dance-recital-with-za-south-africa/ ICANN Chair Steve Crocker Dance Recital with .ZA, South Africa]</ref>  

*Scramble for 'dot africa' internet domain name (October 11 2011)<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/07/tech/africa-domain-name/ Scramble for 'dot africa' internet domain name]</ref>

*August 24 2013- A delayed evaluation "pass" score for .Africa competition  <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>

*Bids Open for '.africa' Internet Domain Name (October 11 2011)<ref>[http://www.voanews.com/content/bids-open-for-africa-internet-domain-name-132791578/159088.html Bids Open for '.africa' Internet Domain Name]</ref>

*August 30 2013- DotConnectAfrica .Africa Objection treatment at ICANN is A Musical Chair Circus <ref>[http://www.cio.co.ke/news/top-stories/dca-objects-to-new-gac-advice-on-dotafrica-domain DotConnectAfrica .Africa Objection treatment at ICANN is A Musical Chair Circus]</ref>

*The battle for dotAfrica; who will get the crown jewels? (July 8 2011)<ref>[http://www.africareview.com/Special-Reports/Battle-on-for-dotAfrica/-/979182/1197116/-/f6be8f/-/index.html The battle for dotAfrica; who will get the crown jewels?]</ref>

*September 11 2013- Nii Narku Quaynor, Father of Internet, Ghana – The Christmas Tree of African Technical community<ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/nii-narku-quaynor-father-of-internet-ghana-the-christmas-tree-of-african-technical-community/ Nii Narku Quaynor, Father of Internet, Ghana – The Christmas Tree of African Technical community]</ref>  

*Beware the new gTLD cuckoos (June 27 2011)<ref>[http://domainincite.com/5243-beware-the-new-gtld-cuckoos Beware the new gTLD cuckoos]</ref>

*September 18 2013- DotConnectAfrica’s .africa gTLD Endorsement Treatment at the Africa Union Commission <ref>[http://domainnewsafrica.com/dotconnectafricas-dotafrica-gtld-endorsement-treatment-at-the-africa-union-commission/ DotConnectAfrica’s .africa gTLD Endorsement Treatment at the Africa Union Commission]</ref>

*“Corruption” claims as .africa fight heats up (May 9 2011)<ref>[http://domainincite.com/4594-corruption-claims-as-africa-fight-heats-up “Corruption” claims as .africa fight heats up]</ref>

*October 2013- DCA Trust raises ethical questions, writes to newly elected African Union Leaders on .africa debacle <ref>[http://www.thereporterethiopia.com/index.php/living-and-the-arts/society/item/1143-dca-trust-raises-ethical-questions-writes-to-newly-elected-african-union-leaders-on-africa-debacle DCA Trust raises ethical questions, writes to newly elected African Union Leaders on .africa debacle]</ref>  

*Competition for .africa heats up (March 10 2011)<ref>[http://domainincite.com/3796-competition-for-africa-heats-up Competition for .africa heats up]</ref>

*January 22 2014- DCA Trust takes “.africa” case with ICANN to Independent Review Process (IRP) Panel <ref>[http://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>  

*DotAfrica project alleges sabotage from AU (March 3 2011)<ref>[http://aptantech.com/2011/03/dotafrica-project-alleges-sabotage-from-au/ DotAfrica project alleges sabotage from AU]</ref>

*March 26 2014- ICANN moves to delegate “.africa” TLD with DCA’s case yet to be resolved<ref>[http://cio.co.ke/news/main-stories/icann-moves-to-delegate-%E2%80%9C.africa%E2%80%9D-tld-with-dca%E2%80%99s-case-yet-to-be-resolved ICANN moves to delegate “.africa” TLD with DCA’s case yet to be resolved]</ref>

*March 30 2014- Award of DotAfrica contract to ZACR raises doubts over ICANN’s credibility <ref>[http://cio.co.ke/blog/award-of-dotafrica-contract-to-zacr-raises-doubts-over-icann%E2%80%99s-credibility Award of DotAfrica contract to ZACR raises doubts over ICANN’s credibility]</ref>

*July 21 2014- ICANN CEO’s slip-up over DCA’s DotAfrica bid at ICANN-50 in London<ref>[http://cio.co.ke/blog/icann-ceo%E2%80%99s-slip-up-over-dca%E2%80%99s-dotafrica-bid-at-icann-50-in-london ICANN CEO’s slip-up over DCA’s DotAfrica bid at ICANN-50 in London]</ref>

*August 14 2014- DotConnectAfrica schools ICANN in its response to the London GAC Advice – States Don’t accept this advice<ref>[http://www.expvc.com/2014/08/independent-review-panel-schools-icann.html DotConnectAfrica schools ICANN in its response to the London GAC Advice – States Don’t accept this advice]</ref>

== Live Media coverage==

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