Gabon: Internet Without Borders Condemns Blocking of Social Media - Internet Sans Frontières

Paris, 25 February 2026 — Internet Without Borders expresses its deep concern regarding the sudden suspension of social media platforms in Gabon, an act that constitutes a significant step backward for digital rights and democratic expression in the country.

On the orders of the High Authority of Communication (HAC), immediate restrictions were placed on social media networks, specifically targeting platforms owned by the Meta group, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. The authorities justified this measure by citing the “recurring dissemination” of content that allegedly harms human dignity, threatens the stability of national institutions, and promotes hate speech. While the government characterizes this as a “temporary” and “punctual” regulatory measure intended to force Meta into negotiations regarding content moderation and data respect, the impact on the ground is severe and widespread.

For the citizens of Gabon, this suspension is a brutal disconnection from the world. Small businesses that depend on online sales are struggling to survive. Students are being hurt because they are losing access to online classes and shared learning materials. And digital media companies are at risk of shutting down.

From a legal perspective, the decision by the Gabonese authorities is a violation of both national and international standards. The 2024 Gabonese Constitution guarantees the freedom of expression and communication; any restriction must be necessary, pursue a legitimate aim, and, crucially, be proportionate,. The current national-scale suspension fails the test; Although the HAC’s aim of curbing online hate speech and calling the attention of social media platforms is legitimate, suspending access to all social media across the entire territory is a disproportionate measure. especially when the authorities struggle to prove the impact of the messages in question on the country’s stability.

This event follows a troubling regional trend of digital censorship often seen during times of political sensitivity, as previously documented in Cameroon, Chad, and during Gabon‘s own 2023 elections.

Internet Without Borders reminds the Gabonese authorities that access to the Internet is a fundamental human right as recognized by the United Nations. We call upon the government to:

• Immediately restore access to all social media platforms to ensure respect of right to free expression and access to information.
• Prioritize transparency and dialogue over censorship by seeking regulatory solutions that do not infringe upon the fundamental rights of the population.
• Respect the rule of law by ensuring that any regulatory actions taken by the HAC strictly adhere to the powers granted by the legislature and remain proportionate to the stated threats.

The fight for a free and open internet is the fight for democracy itself. We stand with the Gabonese people in their demand to #BringBackOursocialmedia.