Authorities in Gabon have ordered a suspension of social media services, warning that online content has worsened tensions and fueled disputes across the nation. The announcement has sparked alarm among citizens and entrepreneurs who rely on digital platforms for communication, trade, and information sharing.
In a broadcast on Tuesday evening, the High Authority for Communication explained that platforms would remain inaccessible “until further notice.” Officials cited the spread of false information, cyberbullying, and the unauthorised sharing of personal data as reasons behind the sweeping restriction.
Data from the monitoring group NetBlocks showed that by Wednesday, access to major online platforms had been blocked, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and WhatsApp. Most service providers enforced the block, though Gabon Telecom reportedly allowed limited access to the networks.
Gabon is led by Brice Oligui Nguema, who came to power after a 2023 coup and won last year’s elections with over 90 percent of the vote. Since taking office, he has promised reforms in the small, oil-rich country, which for decades was ruled by the Bongo family and where previous governments often restricted digital access to control information.
During last year’s vote, independent and foreign media were allowed to observe the ballot counting process, a first in Gabon’s electoral history.
Jean-Claude Mendome, a spokesperson for the regulator, said the move responds to recurring “inappropriate, defamatory, hateful, and insulting content that undermines human dignity, social cohesion, the stability of the republic's institutions, and national security.”
He warned that unchecked content could “generate social conflict” and “seriously jeopardise national unity, democratic progress, and achievements.” Mendome also stressed that “freedom of expression, including freedom of comment and criticism,” remains “a fundamental right enshrined in Gabon.”
The restrictions have unsettled many, especially younger citizens who rely on social media not only for social interactions but also to run businesses. A restaurant owner in Libreville said the block would heavily impact his operations.
"Almost 40% of my customers decided to order or come to the restaurant after seeing our advertising on social media… I won't be able to catch new customers, because clients are attracted by what they are seeing, reviews from friends, pictures," he explained.
"We are entering a phase where we don't even know if we are moving forward with global development or if we are sliding backward into total underdevelopment."
Meanwhile, some residents see the restriction as justified. A taxi driver told the BBC: "There's no smoke without fire. For the authorities to take such a decision, something must have certainly prompted it."
The move comes as strikes continue across public sectors. Teachers began industrial action in December over low pay and poor working conditions, with protests spreading to health and education sectors, intensifying pressure on the government.
