By Paul Joseph
Gabon’s media regulatory body has declared a suspension of social media platforms “until further notice,” citing that online content has exacerbated conflict and increased divisions within the nation.
In a televised announcement on Tuesday evening, the High Authority for Communication (HAC) pointed to the “dissemination of false information,” “cyberbullying,” and the “unauthorized sharing of personal data” as reasons for this action.
Spokesperson Jean-Claude Mendome did not specify which platforms would be impacted, but popular services in the country include WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok.
Gabon is currently undergoing a transition following a military coup in 2023 led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, who won the presidential election last year.
The 50-year-old president is facing increasing social unrest, with teachers and other public sector workers striking over pay and working conditions.
As of Wednesday morning, social media platforms remained accessible, but a shutdown is anticipated soon.
Mendome’s announcement has taken many by surprise in the Central African nation of approximately 2.5 million people, where social media is especially favored by the youth for both business and leisure.
A restaurant owner in the capital, Libreville, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern to the BBC about the suspension’s impact on his business, as he relies on social media for advertising.
“Nearly 40% of my customers decided to order or visit the restaurant after seeing our promotions on social media… I won’t be able to attract new customers, as they are drawn in by what they see, friends’ reviews, and pictures,” he stated.
“We are entering a phase where we don’t even know if we are progressing with global development or regressing into complete underdevelopment.”
Conversely, a taxi driver appeared unfazed by the decision, commenting to the BBC: “There’s no smoke without fire. For the authorities to make such a decision, something must have certainly triggered it.”
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