The Gabonese government announced an immediate, nationwide suspension of all social media platforms on Tuesday, citing the need to curb the spread of hate speech and misinformation.
The decision was made public by the High Authority for Communication (HAC) following a plenary session chaired by Germain Ngoyo Moussavou. HAC spokesperson Jean Claud Franck Mendome confirmed the “immediate suspension until further notice,” though no specific timeline for the restoration of services was provided.
The regulatory body justified the drastic measure by pointing to a proliferation of content it deemed defamatory, hateful, and offensive to human dignity. The HAC further warned that such digital activity posed a direct threat to social cohesion and the stability of national institutions. Specifically, the authority denounced the rise of cyberbullying, doxing, and targeted smear campaigns on digital platforms.
Legally, the institution grounded its move in the Communication Code of 2016. While the HAC maintained that freedom of expression is guaranteed in Gabon, it argued that such freedoms cannot be exercised in violation of existing laws or at the expense of public order.
The shutdown has plunged the country into an unprecedented period of digital silence, sparking concerns regarding the proportionality of the response. Observers note that while the state has a legitimate interest in regulating digital abuses, a blanket shutdown significantly hampers access to information and disrupts economic activities that rely on social media.
As the suspension continues, the Gabonese authorities face the challenge of reconciling public order with democratic guarantees and the country’s international image regarding digital governance.
RNK/Sf/fss/abj/APA