Gabon clamps down on social media, concerns grow over rights

Gabon's government has indefinitely suspended major social media platforms and intensified the crackdown on VPN users amid anti-government protests, sparking human rights concerns.

Wed May 13 2026

Gabon Indefinitely Suspends Social Media Platforms

Gabon's media regulator indefinitely suspended major social media platforms in February, citing security concerns during anti-government protests. This move became a significant topic of discussion among citizens, leading to a surge in Virtual Private Network (VPN) usage to bypass the restrictions.

Crackdown on VPN Users and Human Rights Concerns

Weeks after the social media suspension, gendarmerie began stopping young men at road checkpoints in the capital Libreville and other urban centers. They confiscated mobile phones with VPNs installed or detained the owners, spreading warnings by word of mouth. Activists and opposition members claimed their accounts were also suspended due to state officials' efforts, criticizing the measures as part of a documented history of cracking down on dissent.

*Source: The Guardian World (2026-05-13)*

Tags: #Gabon #Social Media #VPN #Human Rights #Africa