Gabon’s media regulator declared on Tuesday that social media platforms will be suspended “until further notice,” citing online information that promotes societal division and violence.
The High Authority for Communication declared “the immediate suspension of social media platforms in Gabon,” in a statement.
He said “inappropriate, defamatory, hateful, and insulting content” was undermining “human dignity, public morality, the honour of citizens, social cohesion, the stability of the Republic’s institutions, and national security”.
The communications body spokesman also cited the spread of false information, cyberbullying, and “unauthorised disclosure of personal data” as reasons for the decision.
“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,” he added.
The decision was made due to “unauthorized disclosure of personal data,” “spread of false information,” and “cyberbullying,” according to the communications body spokeswoman.
“Freedom of expression, including freedom of comment and criticism,” the regulator stated, is still “a fundamental right enshrined in Gabon.”
Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema has seen his first wave of social unrest less than a year after taking office, with civil servants threatening to down tools and teachers going on strike.
In December, school teachers went on strike over compensation and working conditions. Since then, demonstrations against identical demands have expanded to other public sectors, including media, higher education, and health.
