Gabon says access to social media restored after eight-month ban

Gabon has lifted a ban on social media that was imposed eight months ago, the High Communication Authority (HAC) announced on Saturday. The decision came after widespread criticism and controversy surrounding the ban. The ban was initially introduced on February 17, with the HAC citing concerns that online content was exacerbating conflict and widening divisions within the country.

This decision was surprising to the small Central African nation, home to approximately 2.5 million people, where platforms like Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have gained significant popularity, both for personal and business purposes. To bypass the ban, many Gabonese citizens resorted to using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

The ban was enacted during a period of social unrest when President Brice Oligui Nguema was facing challenges less than a year after his election. Struggles from teachers and civil servants, who were protesting low pay and poor working conditions, also contributed to the tense atmosphere. The opposition accused Nguema of abusing his power by suspending social media access.

Nguema's recent election victory was marked by a landslide, securing over 90% of the votes. He took office after a coup that ended a regime dominated by the Bongo family that had ruled Gabon for over five decades. Prior to the ban, Nguema had vowed to bring about reforms in Gabon, a country rich in oil and timber resources, where previous administrations had utilized digital blackouts to control information flow.