Gabon’s media regulator has ordered the immediate suspension of social media platforms nationwide, citing what it described as a surge in online content capable of fuelling division and threatening national stability.
In a televised address on Tuesday, spokesman Jean-Claude Mendome announced that the High Authority for Communication had imposed “the immediate suspension of social media platforms in Gabon” until further notice.
Mendome said the decision followed concerns over “inappropriate, defamatory, hateful, and insulting content” circulating online, which he argued was undermining “human dignity, public morality, the honour of citizens, social cohesion, the stability of the Republic’s institutions, and national security.”
He also pointed to the “spread of false information,” “cyberbullying” and the “unauthorised disclosure of personal data” as key factors behind the clampdown.
“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 added.
The regulator did not name specific platforms affected by the suspension.
Despite the sweeping order, the communications body stressed that “freedom of expression, including freedom of comment and criticism,” remains “a fundamental right enshrined in Gabon.”
The move comes less than a year after President Brice Oligui Nguema took office and amid mounting social tensions across the country.
Teachers began an indefinite strike in December over pay and working conditions, with protests spreading to other public sector workers in health, higher education and broadcasting.
Several civil servants have also threatened to down tools, marking the first major wave of unrest under Nguema’s administration.
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