Gabon’s social media blackout: five months of silence and growing concerns

Five months have passed since the Gabonese government imposed a sweeping ban on social media platforms. Since the High Authority of Communication (HAC) issued its directive on February 17, major digital networks remain inaccessible without a VPN, with authorities citing safeguarding national security as the primary justification. Yet, as the days stretch into weeks and months, the vague promise of a ‘return to normalcy pending further notice’ has morphed from a temporary measure into what many now view as an indefinite restriction—one that leaves citizens and businesses in limbo.