Gabon Suspends Social Media Nationwide Amid Rising Unrest
The Gabonese government has announced a nationwide suspension of social media platforms “until further notice,” citing concerns that online content is fueling unrest and deepening social divisions. The decision was made public on Tuesday evening by the High Authority for Communication (HAC) during a televised address. HAC spokesperson Jean-Claude Mendome said the move was prompted by the spread of false information, cyberbullying, and the unauthorized sharing of personal data on digital platforms. While specific platforms were not named, widely used apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok are expected to be affected. As of Wednesday morning, social media services were still accessible, but many residents anticipate that the suspension could be enforced at any moment. The announcement comes during a politically sensitive period in Gabon. The country has been navigating a transition since the 2023 military coup led by Brice Oligui Nguema, who later won the 2024 presidential election with over 90 percent of the vote, ending more than five decades of Bongo family rule. Since taking office, the 50-year-old president has promised reforms and a departure from previous practices, including the frequent use of internet blackouts to control information. During the last election, independent and foreign media were allowed to film ballot counting, a first for the country. Despite these reforms, the government is now facing rising social and economic tensions. Teachers went on strike in December over unpaid salaries and poor working conditions, and similar disputes have spread to other public sectors, including healthcare and civil service, sparking broader unrest. Mendome explained that the suspension was aimed at curbing the repeated circulation of “inappropriate, defamatory, hateful, and insulting content” online. Gabonese citizens are now waiting to see whether the suspension will be fully enforced and how long it might last. With labour strikes ongoing and social grievances unresolved, the coming days are expected to test both the government’s authority and the resilience of the country’s digital economy.
