Gabon’s online security crisis: NGOs sue over cyberattacks linked to VPN usage

A coalition of Gabonese civil society organizations in Libreville announced Saturday their legal action against the escalating wave of cyberattacks plaguing the nation. These attacks predominantly target personal accounts on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, causing widespread concern among citizens.

The collective has documented approximately fifty complaints from Gabonese individuals across various social strata, all victims of these digital intrusions. Their analysis points to a significant correlation between the surge in cyberattacks and the widespread use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). This reliance on VPNs emerged as a direct response to the suspension of social media platforms, enforced across the country since February 17.

“The phone numbers originating these attacks typically begin with +500 or +600, indicating foreign prefixes. This strongly suggests that the perpetrators are not necessarily operating from within Gabon,” explained Patrice Thérence Mezui, president of the National Human Rights League and the collective’s designated spokesperson.

The organizations assert that this phenomenon, once a minor concern, has dramatically expanded since the High Authority of Communication (HAC) officially suspended social media access on February 17, 2026. This decision, they argue, inadvertently created an environment ripe for online exploitation.

“This constitutes a clear violation of the Constitution, specifically the chapter safeguarding fundamental liberties,” Mr. Mezui emphasized, highlighting the broader implications for governance Africa.

The collective initially sought redress from the courts, but faced procedural hurdles. “The Court declared itself incompetent, deeming the contested act administrative in nature,” he added, illustrating the complexities of challenging such decisions within African politics.

Similarly, the Court of First Instance also cited a lack of jurisdiction. Undeterred, the collective has now filed a final complaint with the Council of State. “We are currently awaiting the Council of State’s decision,” Mr. Mezui concluded, though he did not specify the exact date of this latest filing.

Immediate call to lift social media suspension

The collective firmly believes that the ongoing suspension of social media platforms directly exposes Gabonese citizens to these rampant cyberattacks. They are demanding the immediate reversal of this suspension, which was initially temporary but has now become almost permanent. Furthermore, they urge the President of the Republic to promulgate the recently adopted law concerning social media usage. Finally, they propose initiating negotiations on the social media issue to foster a national consensus, reflecting a desire for improved society Africa.

The HAC had justified its initial measure by citing the need to combat misinformation, cyberharassment, and hateful content. However, civil society groups counter that the measure is disproportionate and fundamentally contradicts the principles of a state governed by the rule of law, impacting independent African journalism and free expression.