Gabon has imposed an open-ended suspension of social media platforms, with authorities warning that online activity is threatening national unity and institutional stability.
The directive was announced Tuesday by the High Authority for Communication in a televised statement delivered by its spokesman, Jean-Claude Mendome.
According to Mendome, the regulator ordered “the immediate suspension of social media platforms in Gabon” until further notice, citing mounting concerns over digital content deemed harmful to the state and 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 spokesman further identified the “spread of false information,” “cyberbullying” and the “unauthorised disclosure of personal data” as factors that necessitated urgent intervention.
“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.
Authorities did not specify which platforms fall under the suspension, leaving uncertainty over the scope of the restriction.
Despite the sweeping measure, the regulator maintained that “freedom of expression, including freedom of comment and criticism,” remains “a fundamental right enshrined in Gabon.”
The social media shutdown comes at a sensitive political moment, less than a year after President Brice Oligui Nguema assumed office.
