GABON SUSPENDS SOCIAL MEDIA AMID RISING SECURITY CONCERNS

The government of Gabon has moved to restrict access social media networks, citing the need to protect public order and national security. 

The directive was issued by the country’s media regulatory body, the High Authority for Communication (HAC), which announced the measure late Tuesday.

According to an official statement, the suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in place “until further notice.” While the specific platforms targeted were not named in the initial order, independent observers have reported disruptions to certain services.

Internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks indicated that connectivity to services owned by Meta, as well as video platforms YouTube and TikTok, has been impacted. However, a local source confirmed that some platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and X, remained operational as of Wednesday afternoon.

The regulatory body stated that the decision was prompted by the spread of content deemed “inappropriate, defamatory, hateful, and abusive” circulating online, which it argues violates national laws. The HAC said that such material poses a risk to social cohesion and the stability of state institutions. 

It remains unclear whether a specific incident or series of posts directly led to the intervention, as authorities have not provided further details. Attempts to reach a government spokesperson for additional comment have so far been unsuccessful.

The move has drawn concern from civil society observers regarding its potential economic and social impact. Nicaise Moulombi, a member of the country’s civil society, noted that digital platforms have evolved beyond entertainment to become vital infrastructure. 

The development comes amid a period of transition for the Central African nation. President Brice Oligui Nguema came to power following a military takeover in August 2023 and was formally elected in April of the previous year, ending over five decades of rule by the Bongo dynasty.