# Gabon lifts social media suspension after eight months amid criticism

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/gabon-says-access-to-social-media-restored-after-eight-month-ban/
- Published: 2026-10-25T14:39:47+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-25T15:07:19+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC World (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6x2w0ngejneo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Gabon says social media access has been restored.
- The suspension lasted eight months.
- Many users relied on VPNs to stay connected.

## Summary

Gabon’s media regulator says social media access has been restored, ending a suspension imposed eight months ago. The ban drew widespread criticism, with opponents calling it an abuse of power, and its reversal comes amid debate over online freedoms and the government’s handling of dissent.

The High Communication Authority introduced the ban on 17 February, saying online content fuelled conflict and division. In the country of about 2.5 million people, platforms including Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram are popular with young people for business and leisure; many used VPNs to get around the restriction. The ban began as President Brice Oligui Nguema faced strikes by teachers and civil servants over pay and working conditions. Nguema won more than 90% of the vote last year, two years after a coup ended more than five decades of rule by the Bongo family.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.