Social media platforms suspended in Gabon amid unrest, Paradigm Initiative raises concerns
Gabon has restricted access to major social media platforms following a directive by the national communications authority, with monitoring groups confirming disruptions.
Access to several major social media platforms in Gabon has been restricted following a directive issued on 17 February 2026 by the Haute Autorité de la Communication (HAAC), the country’s media regulator. As of 20 February, disruptions were ongoing.
According to the HAAC, the measure was introduced to curb what it described as hateful, defamatory, or injurious content considered a threat to national stability. The restrictions reportedly affect platforms operated by Meta, including Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, as well as TikTok and YouTube. The authority has not publicly provided detailed evidence of specific violations, nor has it outlined a timeline for restoring access.
Technical monitoring organisations, including NetBlocks, have reported disruptions to access for several of the affected platforms across Gabon. Users have reportedly turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass restrictions, while internet connectivity has remained unstable in parts of the country. The suspension comes amid ongoing anti-government protests and a labour strike.
Paradigm Initiative, a pan-African digital rights organisation, has criticised the measure and called for the restoration of access. The organisation argues that blanket platform suspensions affect freedom of expression and access to information, particularly during periods of political tension.
Beyond its impact on public discourse, the disruption is also expected to have economic consequences. Based on NetBlocks’ cost estimation tool, a two-day shutdown of major platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube could result in losses estimated at approximately $2.96 million. Social media platforms are widely used in Gabon for commercial activities, including digital marketing, customer communication and informal sector transactions.
Gabon’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and access to information. The country is also a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which protect freedom of expression subject to conditions of legality, necessity and proportionality. International human rights bodies, including the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, have previously stated that broad internet shutdowns raise concerns under these standards.
Paradigm Initiative has called on the HAAC to publish the legal basis for the suspension and to clarify the scope and duration of the order. The organisation has also urged internet service providers to provide transparency regarding government directives affecting connectivity.
