In Gabon, a significant legal decision was made on March 16 when the Libreville first instance court declared itself incompetent to adjudicate a complaint brought by the opposition party 'Ensemble pour le Gabon' against the High Authority of Communication (HAC). The complaint was in response to the HAC's suspension of social media services in the country, which had been in place for over a month. The court's ruling was highly anticipated as it held implications for free speech and political expression in the nation.

The opposition party, led by prominent figure Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, accused the HAC of acts that infringe upon fundamental freedoms. They argued that the social media suspension constituted an illegal act of restricting the flow of information and stifling opposition voices. Despite the gravity of the allegations, the court's decision to declare itself incompetent appears to grant the HAC a form of legal immunity against the challenges posed by the opposition.

This ruling can be seen as a setback for activists and opposition voices in Gabon, as it reinforces the government's power to control communications channels amidst a contentious political environment. The outcome underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding media freedom and governance in Gabon, raising concerns about the implications for democratic processes and civil liberties in the country.