Full Breakdown
Gabon Lifts Eight-Month Social-Media Ban
By Drooid · · How we work
Restoration of Access to Major Platforms
On October 24 2026, the Gabonese High Authority for Communication (HAC) announced that the suspension of social-media platforms imposed on February 17 has been lifted. The decision, read on television by HAC spokesman Jean-Claude Franck Mendome, restores access to Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, while WhatsApp had remained intermittently available throughout the ban.
Why the Blockade Was Imposed
The HAC initially halted the platforms, citing online content that it said was fueling conflict, division and threats to national security. An extraordinary plenary session chaired by Germain Ngoyo Moussavou formalized the measure, which targeted the spread of defamatory or hateful material.
Economic and Social Disruption During the Ban
Merchants, media outlets and students reported significant setbacks. Business owners relied on the platforms for promotion and sales, while educators used them for collaborative projects. Many users turned to virtual-private networks (VPNs) to bypass the blocks, underscoring the extent of the disruption to everyday communication and commerce.
Official Response and Planned Cooperation
Following the lift, the HAC said it had used the suspension period to negotiate with TikTok, Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) and YouTube. The regulator announced that exchange protocols are now operational, providing reporting tools to handle illegal content. Delegations from TikTok and Meta are expected to visit Libreville to discuss ongoing cooperation, and the HAC urged users to act responsibly online.