Gabon's social media ban: civil society groups demand immediate lifting, citing constitutional violations and increased cybercrime
via Gabon Review4 min read
Six civil society organizations in Gabon, led by Patrice Thérence Mezui, are demanding the immediate lifting of the social media suspension, which has been in effect for five months. They argue that the decision by the High Authority of Communication HAC is unconstitutional, disproportionate, and an abuse of power. The groups, including the Network of Free Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance in Gabon ROLBG and SOS Prisoners, met on July 11 in Libreville to denounce the ban, which was implemented to combat "informational disorders, cyberbullying, and the dissemination of hateful content." The organizations contend that while they share the goals of a healthy digital space, the repressive method used has punished millions of citizens, small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and informal sector actors who rely on these digital channels for their daily economic activities. They highlight that the ban has inadvertently led to a surge in cyberattacks and account hacking, as citizens resort to Virtual Private Networks VPNs to bypass restrictions, creating significant digital security vulnerabilities. Patrice Thérence Mezui warned that this widespread vulnerability could impact state systems, banking institutions, and other vital sectors. Legally, the groups cite Article 14 of the Constitution, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples'
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