A group of Gabonese organizations has filed a complaint with several courts, protesting the recent surge in cyberattacks that have targeted WhatsApp and Facebook accounts.
The group claims to have received over 50 complaints from Gabonese individuals across all social categories.
An analysis of the causes of these cyberattacks suggests that the widespread use of virtual private networks (VPNs) is behind the attacks, as people attempt to circumvent the suspension of social media platforms in the country since February 17th.
‘The numbers used to start these attacks are usually +500 or +600,’ said Patrice Thérence Mezui, president of the Gabonese League for Human Rights and spokesperson for the group. ‘This suggests that the attackers may not be from Gabon.’
The group believes this phenomenon, previously marginal, has spread since the decision by the High Authority for Communication (HAC) to suspend official social media use on February 17th.
‘This is a violation of the Constitution, in the chapter dedicated to fundamental freedoms,’ Mezui added.
The tribunal of first instance also declared itself incompetent. The group finally filed a last complaint with the State Council. ‘We are waiting for the State Council’s decision,’ Mezui said without specifying the date of filing this complaint.
The group demands the immediate lifting of social media suspension, which has become almost permanent, and calls on the President to promulgate the recently adopted law on social network usage. It also proposes opening negotiations on the matter to achieve a national consensus.
The High Authority for Communication justified this measure by the need to combat misinformation, cyberharassment and hate speech. The civil society believes this is disproportionate and contradicts the principles of the rule of law.
