Authorities in Gabon have pulled the plug on social media nationwide, ordering an immediate shutdown of digital platforms as tensions rise over allegations of shrinking civic space.
In a statement broadcast on state media Tuesday evening, the High Authority for Communication said it detected what it called a surge of “inappropriate, defamatory, hateful and insulting content” circulating online.
According to the regulator, such material threatens human dignity, state institutions and national security, and amounts to violations punishable under domestic and international law, as well as under the moderation rules of major tech companies.
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“The High Authority for Communication has decided to immediately suspend social media throughout Gabon until further notice,” Jean Claude Franck Mendome, spokesperson for the agency, announced in the televised statement.
By Wednesday, users across the Central African country reported major disruptions. Platforms operated by Meta and TikTok were largely inaccessible, while WhatsApp, also owned by Meta, experienced widespread outages. Voice calls on WhatsApp were also heavily affected, the AP reported. These services rank among the most popular digital tools for Gabonese citizens.
The massive restrictions come under the leadership of Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who seized power after ousting President Ali Bongo Ondimba over allegations of mismanagement. Oligui Nguema later secured victory in last year’s presidential election, a development that initially stirred optimism about a transition back to constitutional order.
That optimism has since dimmed. Critics argue that the administration has tightened its grip on dissent, with independent media outlets and labour organisers facing increasing pressure.
Last year, a journalist and two trade unionists were jailed, fuelling concerns about the direction of civil liberties in the country.
