The High Communication Authority (HAC) in the central African country of Gabon has announced the lifting of the ban on social media imposed 8 months ago, a move that triggered widespread criticism at the time.
The ban came in place in February as the government said that that social media content was fueling conflict and deepening divisions in the country. President Brice Oligui Nguema had been facing a wave of social unrest less than a year after his election. Teachers and civil servants staged strikes over low pay and poor working conditions.
The opposition described the ban as an abuse of power.
Gabon has about 2.5 million active users of social media including Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Social media use in Gabon is particularly popular among the youths who use it for business and pleasure.
Through the ban, citizens employed the use of VPNs to access social media to stay updated.
What could be the possible implications of the lifting of the social media ban?
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