LIBREVILLE. – Gabon’s media regulator has announced the suspension of social media platforms “until further notice”, saying online content has fuelled conflict and deepened divisions in the country.

In a televised statement on Tuesday evening, the High Authority for Communication (HAC) cited the “spread of false information”, “cyberbullying” and the “unauthorised disclosure of personal data” as reasons for the decision.

Its spokesperson Jean-Claude Mendome did not specify which platforms would be affected, but WhatsApp, Facebook and TikTok are popular in the country.

The media regulator spokesman said the suspension was prompted by the recurring dissemination on social networks and digital platforms of “ inappropriate, defamatory, hateful, and insulting content that undermines human dignity, social cohesion, the stability of the republic’s institutions, and national security”.

Such actions, he said, were likely to “generate social conflict” and “seriously jeopardise national unity, democratic progress, and achievements”.

But “freedom of expression, including freedom of comment and criticism,” remained “a fundamental right enshrined in Gabon”, Mendome added.

Gabon is led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, who won presidential elections last year after leading a military coup in 2023.

Gabon has a population of about 2,5 million people and social media is particularly popular with younger people who use it for business as well as pleasure.

A taxi driver seemed unbothered about the move, telling the BBC:

“There’s no smoke without fire.

“For the authorities to take such a decision, something must have certainly prompted it.

Nguema won last year’s poll with more than 90% of the vote, two years after his coup ended more than five decades of rule by the Bongo family.