Access to major social media platforms in Guinea has been restored after a sudden blackout that left users unable to connect for hours.

The disruption, which affected platforms like Facebook, Messenger, YouTube, and TikTok, was first reported by the Association of Bloggers in Guinea on Thursday.

By Friday, bloggers and users confirmed that access had been fully restored, bringing relief to millions who rely on these platforms for communication, business, and information.

Interestingly, authorities have not provided any official explanation for the temporary shutdown. However, the country’s communications regulator had earlier raised concerns about the spread of “unverified information” and messages that could harm social stability, though it stopped short of linking those concerns directly to the blackout.

Guinea is currently under the leadership of Mamady Doumbouya, who came to power after a 2021 military coup and was later elected in a controversial vote that excluded key opposition figures.

Reacting to the development, ABLOGUI President Baro Conde described the restoration as a win for freedom of expression.

“Citizens can once again enjoy their rights to information and expression,” he said.

However, he also issued a warning: such restrictions could happen again, especially with legislative and municipal elections scheduled for May 31.

Guinea has previously faced criticism for restricting internet access during sensitive political periods, raising ongoing concerns about digital rights and press freedom in the country.

For now, social media is back, but many users remain cautious about what could happen in the weeks leading up to the elections.