Gabonese associations launch legal challenge over cyberattack surge and social media ban

A coalition of Gabonese civil society organizations in Libreville recently announced legal action, filing complaints with several courts to protest a significant increase in cyberattacks. These incidents primarily involve the unauthorized access and hacking of WhatsApp and Facebook accounts.

The collective has documented approximately fifty complaints from Gabonese citizens across various social strata. Their analysis of these cyberattacks suggests a strong correlation with the widespread use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Many individuals have resorted to VPNs to circumvent the official suspension of social media platforms, which has been in effect across the country since February 17th.

“The phone numbers originating these attacks typically begin with +500 or +600, which are foreign dialing codes. This strongly indicates that the perpetrators are not necessarily located within Gabon,” explained Patrice Thérence Mezui, president of the National Human Rights League and the collective’s designated spokesperson.

The collective highlights that this phenomenon, previously uncommon, has escalated dramatically since the High Authority of Communication (HAC) officially suspended social media usage on February 17, 2026.

“This constitutes a clear violation of the Constitution, specifically the chapter dedicated to fundamental liberties,” Mr. Mezui emphasized.

“The Court declared itself incompetent, deeming the contested act administrative in nature,” he further noted.

Similarly, the Court of First Instance also ruled itself incompetent. Consequently, the collective has lodged its final complaint with the Conseil d’État (State Council). “We are now awaiting the Conseil d’État’s decision,” he concluded, without specifying the exact date of this latest filing.

Immediate lifting of social media suspension demanded

The collective argues that the ongoing suspension of social media platforms directly exposes Gabonese citizens to these escalating cyberattacks. They are demanding the immediate lifting of this suspension, which was initially temporary but has become virtually permanent. Furthermore, they are urging the President of the Republic to enact the law concerning social media use, which was recently passed by Parliament. Finally, they propose initiating negotiations on the broader issue of social media to forge a national consensus.

The HAC had justified its initial measure by citing the necessity to combat informational disorder, cyber harassment, and the spread of hateful content. However, civil society organizations contend that this measure is disproportionate and fundamentally contradicts the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.