In brief
Gabon’s High Communication Authority announced the removal of an eight‑month ban on social media that had silenced platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. The closure was justified as a measure to curb online conflict, but it drew sharp criticism from civil society and international observers. Many citizens had turned to VPNs to bypass the restriction, highlighting the demand for digital connectivity. The un‑banning coincides with a broader push for reform under President Brice Oligui Nguema, who followed a 2022 coup and a controversial election that saw him win over 90%.
Gabon’s High Communication Authority (HAC) announced the end of a lengthy ban on social media platforms in a televised statement on Saturday.
The censorship was imposed on 17 February, with the HAC saying that online content was fuelling conflict and deepening divisions in the country. The ban prevented access to popular services such as Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, which younger Gabanos used for business and personal communication.
The closure came just after President Brice Oligui Nguema’s regime was already faced with mass protests, strikes by teachers and civil servants, and a wave of social unrest. Critics described the restriction as an abuse of power and a new chapter in the digital blackouts that previous governments employed to control information.
Many Gabonese citizens had resorted to VPN services to continue to use social media during the ban, illustrating the growing demand for open digital platforms in a small, oil‑ and timber‑rich nation. The decision to lift the ban comes as the new government seeks to reset its image and implement promised reforms, even though the effects on political stability will be closely watched.
