In a sudden move that has left millions disconnected, Facebook and TikTok became inaccessible across Gabon, following an official order from the country’s media regulator. Journalists on the ground confirmed the blackout just hours after authorities announced a nationwide suspension of social media platforms.
The decision came from Gabon’s High Authority for Communication, which stated that the suspension would remain in place “until further notice.” According to spokesman Jean-Claude Mendome, the regulator acted out of concern that certain online content was fueling division and unrest within society.
In a televised address, Mendome explained that “inappropriate, defamatory, hateful, and insulting content” circulating on social media had begun to undermine human dignity, public morality, and the honor of citizens. He further warned that such material posed risks to social cohesion, national security, and the stability of the Republic’s institutions.
Authorities also pointed to the spread of false information, cyberbullying, and the unauthorized sharing of personal data as contributing factors behind the decision. Officials argued that unchecked online activity could intensify tensions and potentially destabilize the country during a sensitive political and social period.
“These actions are likely to generate social conflict, destabilize institutions, and seriously jeopardize national unity and democratic progress,” the spokesman said.
While the regulator did not initially specify which platforms were affected, access to Facebook and TikTok was confirmed to be blocked. It remains unclear whether additional platforms are included in the suspension.
Despite the crackdown, officials emphasized that freedom of expression remains a constitutional right in Gabon. The regulator insisted that the suspension is not an attack on free speech but a temporary measure aimed at preserving order and protecting the nation’s stability.
The social media shutdown comes at a challenging time for President Brice Oligui Nguema, who was elected less than a year ago and is now facing his first significant wave of social unrest. Teachers began striking in December over salary concerns and working conditions. Since then, protests have expanded to other public sectors, including health services, higher education, and broadcasting.
For many citizens, social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok are more than entertainment—they are tools for communication, business, activism, and staying informed. The sudden blackout has disrupted daily life, limited access to real-time updates, and sparked concern among residents about transparency and digital rights.
As Gabon navigates growing social pressures, the suspension of social media highlights the delicate balance between national security and digital freedom. For ordinary people, the situation raises an emotional question: in times of tension, how can governments protect stability without silencing the very platforms where citizens express their voices?
The coming days will determine whether this suspension remains temporary or signals a broader shift in how online spaces are regulated in Gabon.
