Gabon restores social media after an eight-month ban

The High Communication Authority announced the reversal on Saturday. It had imposed the ban on Feb 17, saying online content was fuelling conflict and division.

Many Gabonese, especially young people who use platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and YouTube for business, turned to VPNs. The opposition called the suspension an abuse of power.

Background

The ban came as President Brice Oligui Nguema faced strikes by teachers and civil servants over pay and working conditions.