In brief
The High Communication Authority (HAC) announced on Saturday that it is lifting a nationwide ban on social media that had been in effect since 17 February. The ban was justified at the time as a measure to curb content that allegedly fueled conflict, but it was heavily criticized as a suppression of the free flow of information. Thousands of Gabonese, especially younger users, had resorted to VPNs to bypass the restriction, while the government faced protests over low wages and workplace conditions. The reversal comes amid President Brice Oligui Nguema’s attempt to consolidate power after a coup that ended the Bongo family's 50‑year rule.
Gabon says it has lifted a ban on social media imposed eight months ago - a move that triggered widespread criticism at the time.
The High Communication Authority (HAC) announced the U‑turn on Saturday in a televised statement.
The BBC has approached the country's media regulator for comment.
The ban had been introduced on 17 February, with the HAC saying that online content was fuelling conflict and deepening divisions in the country.
The move came as a shock to the central African nation of about 2.5 million people, where social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram have been particularly popular with younger people who use it for business as well as pleasure.
Many turned to VPNs in order to continue accessing social media sites following the ban.
The ban had been imposed at a time when the Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema was facing a wave of social unrest less than a year after his election.
Teachers and civil servants had staged strikes over what they said were low pay and poor working conditions.
The opposition said the suspension was an abuse of power.
Ngueha won last year's elections with more than 90% of the vote, two years after his coup had ended more than five decades of rule by the Bongo family.
At the time he pledged to reform Gabon, a small, oil‑and timber‑rich country, where digital blackouts were used by the previous governments to control information.
