Coalition in Gabon Files Complaints Over Surge in Cyber Attacks After Social Media Ban

A coalition of Gabonese associations has filed complaints in multiple courts, alleging that the suspension of social media since February has led to a rise in hacking of citizen accounts.

• The coalition announced it has received about 50 complaints from citizens whose WhatsApp and Facebook accounts were hacked.
• Coalition spokesperson Patrice Terance Mizoy said the hackers appear to use foreign phone codes (+500 or +600), suggesting they are not based in Gabon.
• Mizoy said the High Authority for Communication's decision to suspend social media since February 17 violates the constitution's provisions on fundamental freedoms.
• The coalition's legal efforts faced hurdles as the Constitutional Court and lower court both declared themselves not competent, leading to a final complaint with the Council of State.