Gabon’s High Communication Authority announced the lifting of a social media ban in a televised statement on Saturday. The restrictions, which had been in place since 17 February, affected major platforms including Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram across the nation of approximately 2.5 million people.
When the ban was originally implemented, authorities cited concerns that online content was contributing to conflict and exacerbating divisions within the country. The suspension had provoked significant criticism from international observers and domestic opposition groups, who characterized it as an overreach of governmental power. Following the ban’s imposition, many users turned to virtual private networks to circumvent the restrictions.
The timing of the initial ban coincided with a period of political turbulence for President Brice Oligui Nguema, whose administration faced civil unrest including strikes by teachers and civil servants protesting inadequate compensation and working conditions. Nguema had come to power through a military coup approximately two years prior, which ended more than five decades of governance by the Bongo family. He subsequently secured electoral victory with over 90 percent of the vote and pledged comprehensive reforms for the oil and timber-rich nation.
The BBC has sought comment from Gabon’s media regulator regarding the decision to restore access. The country has a history of digital restrictions being employed as a mechanism for controlling information flow during previous administrations.
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