Gabon’s escalating cyberattack crisis linked to social media ban and vpn usage

A coalition of Gabonese associations declared on Saturday in Libreville that they have initiated legal proceedings across various courts. This action comes in response to a significant increase in cyberattacks, primarily involving the hacking of WhatsApp and Facebook accounts.

The collective reported receiving approximately fifty complaints from Gabonese citizens across all social strata. Their analysis of these cyberattack incidents suggests that the widespread use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) — adopted to bypass the social media suspension in effect since February 17 — is a primary factor behind these security breaches.

“Attackers’ phone numbers typically begin with international prefixes like +500 or +600,” explained Patrice Thérence Mezui, president of the National Human Rights League and the collective’s designated spokesperson. “This strongly indicates that the perpetrators of these cyberattacks may not be operating from within Gabon.”

The coalition notes that what was once a minor issue has escalated significantly since the High Authority of Communication (HAC) officially suspended social media usage on February 17, 2026.

“This measure constitutes a clear violation of the Constitution, specifically the chapter safeguarding fundamental liberties,” Mezui asserted.

Initially, the Court declared itself incompetent, deeming the challenged act administrative in nature. The court of first instance similarly declined jurisdiction. Consequently, the collective lodged a final complaint with the Conseil d’État. “We are now awaiting the Conseil d’État’s decision,” Mezui concluded, without specifying when this latest complaint was filed.

Immediate lifting of social media suspension demanded

The collective firmly believes that the ongoing social media suspension directly exposes Gabonese citizens to increased cyberattack risks. They are demanding the immediate reversal of this measure, which was initially temporary but has now become almost permanent. Furthermore, they urge the President of the Republic to enact the social media usage law recently passed by Parliament. Finally, the group proposes initiating negotiations on the social media issue to achieve a broad national consensus.

The HAC had previously justified its decision by citing the need to combat misinformation, cyberharassment, and hate speech. However, civil society organizations contend that this measure is disproportionate and fundamentally contradicts the principles of a state governed by the rule of law.