A coalition of Gabonese non-governmental organizations has taken legal action in Libreville, filing complaints across multiple courts to address the growing wave of cyberattacks targeting citizens, including widespread hacking of WhatsApp and Facebook accounts.
The group reports receiving nearly fifty complaints from Gabonese citizens across diverse social backgrounds. Their investigation points to a critical factor: the widespread adoption of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as a response to the ongoing social media blackout, which has been in place since February 17.
“The numbers originating these attacks predominantly start with +500 or +600, international dialing codes. This strongly suggests the perpetrators are likely operating outside Gabon’s borders,” stated Patrice Thérence Mezui, president of the National Human Rights League and spokesperson for the coalition. He emphasized that what was once a rare issue has now escalated into a widespread problem following the decision by the Higher Communication Authority (HAC) to suspend official social media access.
Mezui condemned the blackout as a “direct violation of constitutional rights, particularly those safeguarding fundamental freedoms,” adding that legal challenges have faced procedural hurdles. “The lower courts have declared themselves incompetent, citing the administrative nature of the contested measure,” he explained. After exhausting initial legal avenues, the coalition escalated the matter to the State Council, where a decision is still pending.
Call for immediate restoration of social media access
The coalition argues that the prolonged blackout not only limits free expression but also exposes citizens to heightened cybersecurity risks. Their demands include:
- An immediate end to the social media suspension, which has transitioned from temporary to nearly permanent;
- Presidential approval of a recently passed parliamentary bill governing social media usage;
- The initiation of national dialogue to reach a consensus on digital freedom and security.
The HAC justified the blackout as a measure to curb misinformation, cyberbullying, and hate speech. Civil society groups, however, argue that the restrictions are excessive and undermine the rule of law, calling for a balanced approach that respects constitutional freedoms without compromising national security.
