Gabonese authorities have defended their decision to suspend access to social media, saying the move is necessary to safeguard social cohesion, political stability and national security.
The shutdown, imposed on Wednesday, abruptly cut off tens of thousands of users across the country from major digital communication platforms.
Government spokesperson Marie-Noelle Ada Meyo told Africanews on Friday that the measure should be seen as an opportunity to reassess the role of digital platforms in Gabonese society.
“This decision could allow the authorities to take a step back and rethink how digital media should be managed in Gabon,” Meyo said. “We need to ask ourselves how we want social media to be integrated into our daily lives today.”
The ban comes amid rising social tensions. Since late 2025, several key public-sector unions have been engaged in prolonged strikes, with teachers at the forefront of the protests. The unrest has gradually spread to other sectors, including health care and higher education.
Critics and civil society figures have raised concerns that the social media suspension may be aimed at limiting dissent and curbing mobilisation during a sensitive political moment.
Meyo rejected those claims, insisting that the government is taking steps to address the grievances raised by striking workers. She pointed to provisions in the 2026 finance bill, which include plans to create 4,000 new budgeted public-sector positions as part of efforts to meet teachers’ demands.
“These demands are legitimate,” she said, adding that the underlying issues “did not begin today.”
Meanwhile, the shutdown has triggered a sharp rise in the use of virtual private networks (VPNs). According to data from digital security providers, VPN demand in Gabon surged by nearly 400% within 48 hours of the announcement of the social media ban, as users sought ways to bypass the restrictions.