Gabon’s media regulator has announced the immediate suspension of social media platforms “until further notice,” citing concerns over national stability and social cohesion.
The High Authority for Communication said the move was necessary due to what it described as inappropriate, defamatory, hateful and misleading content circulating online. Officials argued that such material threatens public morality, national unity and the stability of state institutions.
Authorities also pointed to the spread of false information, cyberbullying and the unauthorised sharing of personal data as key reasons behind the decision. However, the regulator maintained that freedom of expression remains a constitutional right in Gabon, including the right to comment and criticise.
The suspension comes amid growing social tensions. Less than a year after taking office, President Brice Oligui Nguema is facing unrest linked to strikes by teachers and other public sector workers demanding better pay and working conditions.
The regulator did not specify which platforms are affected by the ban or how long the suspension will last.
