Gabon restored social-media access after an eight-month ban
Gabon’s High Communication Authority (HAC) said Saturday that it had restored access to social media, ending an eight-month suspension imposed on 17 February. The ban drew widespread criticism, and the opposition described it as an abuse of power. Sputnik Africa reported that the restrictions were lifted following modernization of social media legislation.
More context
Gabon has restored access to social media after an eight-month ban, the country's High Communication Authority (HAC) said Saturday in a televised statement. The suspension, imposed on 17 February, drew widespread criticism. The HAC said when it imposed the ban that online content was fuelling conflict and deepening divisions. Sputnik Africa reported authorities also cited fake news, illegal content, national defence and public order, and said access returned after social-media legislation was modernised. The ban came amid social unrest facing President Brice Oligui Nguema, including strikes by teachers and civil servants over what they said were low pay and poor working conditions. The opposition called the suspension an abuse of power. Many users turned to VPNs to keep accessing social media, the BBC reported.
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Reporting
- BBC News — Gabon says access to social media restored after eight-month ban
- sputniknews.africa — Gabon Restores Social Media Access After 8-Month Ban - 25.10.2026, Sputnik Africa
- bssnews.net — Gabon restores social media after eight-month ban
- africanews.com — Gabon restores social media access after an eight-month ban
- x.com — Gabon says access to social media restored after eight ...
Verifier’s note
Multiple results report that Gabon restored social-media access on Saturday after an eight-month ban, consistent with the proposed event and its timing. BBC also reports the stated reasons for the ban and the opposition's criticism.