Gabon’s media regulator has announced the immediate suspension of social media platforms across the country “until further notice,” citing concerns over false information, hate speech and threats to national stability.
The decision was announced on Tuesday by the High Authority for Communication, which said the measure was necessary to curb content capable of fuelling social unrest.
In a televised statement, the regulator’s spokesman, Jean-Claude Mendome, confirmed “the immediate suspension of social media platforms in Gabon,” blaming online posts for stoking division and conflict within society.
He said “inappropriate, defamatory, hateful, and insulting content” circulating online was undermining “human dignity, public morality, the honour of citizens, social cohesion, the stability of the Republic’s institutions, and national security.”
The communications authority also cited the “spread of false information”, “cyberbullying” and “unauthorised disclosure of personal data” as additional grounds for the suspension.
“These actions are likely, in the case of Gabon, to generate social conflict, destabilise the institutions of the Republic, and seriously jeopardise national unity, democratic progress, and achievements,” Mendome said.
The regulator did not specify which social media platforms would be affected by the ban.
Despite the suspension, the authority stated that “freedom of expression, including freedom of comment and criticism,” remains “a fundamental right enshrined in Gabon.”
The development comes less than a year after President Brice Oligui Nguema assumed office, amid mounting social tensions in the Central African country.
In recent months, Gabon has witnessed growing labour unrest, with school teachers embarking on strike action over pay and working conditions since December. Protests have since spread to other public sectors, including health, higher education and broadcasting, as civil servants press for improved welfare and reforms.
Observers say the suspension of social media may further intensify debate about balancing national security concerns with civil liberties in Gabon’s evolving political landscape.
