Gabon faces surge in cyberattacks linked to VPN usage and social media ban

A coalition of Gabonese civil society organizations has taken legal action in Libreville, citing a troubling rise in cyberattacks targeting citizens, particularly the hijacking of WhatsApp and Facebook accounts.

Over the past weeks, the group has documented nearly 50 cases reported by individuals from diverse backgrounds. Investigations point to a disturbing pattern: the widespread use of virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass the nationwide suspension of social media platforms, which has been in place since February 17th, as a major contributing factor.

Foreign origins of cyber threats

Patrice Thérence Mezui, President of the National Human Rights League and spokesperson for the coalition, highlighted a critical detail: « The numbers behind these attacks often begin with +500 or +600—international dialing codes. This strongly suggests that the perpetrators are likely operating outside Gabon’s borders. »

The surge in cybercrime coincides with the High Authority of Communication’s (HAC) decision to enforce the social media blackout, a move the coalition argues violates constitutional freedoms.

Legal challenges and constitutional concerns

Mezui emphasized the unconstitutional nature of the suspension, stating, « The restrictions imposed on fundamental liberties are clear violations of the Constitution. » The coalition initially attempted to challenge the measure in lower courts, but both the tribunal de première instance and the Court declared themselves incompetent to rule on an administrative act. The case has now been escalated to the Council of State, with the coalition awaiting its decision.

Demands for immediate reform

The civil society groups are demanding the immediate lifting of the social media ban, which has transitioned from a temporary measure to a near-permanent restriction. They also urge the President to sign into law a recently passed parliamentary bill on social media regulation. Additionally, they call for inclusive negotiations to address the broader issue of digital rights and online freedoms in Gabon.

The HAC justified the suspension as a necessary step to curb misinformation, cyberbullying, and hate speech. However, critics argue the measure is excessive and undermines the principles of a democratic state governed by the rule of law.