Focus on Africa Gabon social media suspension
Feb 23, 2026
Nenna Ifania Jufo, law and tech professor and AU cybersecurity expert, offers legal critique of Gabon's social media blackout and its rights implications. Mialitiana Clerc, Madagascar’s trailblazing Olympic skier, recalls training in France and choosing to represent Madagascar. They discuss shutdown workarounds, legal alternatives, athletes training abroad and barriers to African winter sports.
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Gabon Suspends Major Social Platforms
- Gabon's authorities suspended YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram saying the move targets fake news and cyberbullying.
- NetBlocks reported the platforms were restricted hours after the televised announcement, framing the action as a broad suspension not a targeted takedown.
Shutdowns Create Collective Harm And Erode Trust
- Internet shutdowns raise proportionality, necessity and legality concerns and inflict collective punishment with economic and social fallout.
- Nenna Ifania Jufo notes shutdowns can undermine institutions by appearing aimed at silencing dissent rather than addressing misinformation.
Use Targeted Legal Tools Not Blanket Shutdowns
- Instead of blanket shutdowns, authorities should pursue platform moderation cooperation, targeted sanctions, content takedowns and judicial oversight.
- Nenna Ifania Jufo points to examples like platform cooperation and Nigeria's cyberbullying law as alternative, proportionate remedies.