Gabon Suspends Major Social Media Platforms Over National Security Concerns

Gabon has suspended access to several social media platforms, citing concerns that online content could threaten social cohesion, national security, and institutional stability. The decision was taken by the media regulator, while internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed restrictions on platforms including Meta services, YouTube, and TikTok. The move comes amid political sensitivities following the election of President Brice Oligui Nguema after the 2023 coup that ended decades of Bongo family rule.

Gabon has announced the suspension of several social media platforms, citing fears that online content could weaken social cohesion and pose risks to national security and the stability of state institutions. The decision was disclosed in a statement issued by the country’s media regulator, which said the move was necessary to curb the spread of harmful information in the digital space.
According to the regulator, the High Authority for Communication ordered the immediate suspension of the affected platforms “until further notice.” The statement did not initially name the platforms involved, leaving users uncertain about the full scope of the restrictions. However, the authority stressed that the measure was taken in line with its mandate to ensure responsible communication and protect public order.
Independent internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks reported on Wednesday that access to several major platforms had already been curtailed across the country. These include services operated by Meta, as well as the video-sharing platforms YouTube and TikTok, indicating a broad restriction affecting both social networking and content-sharing services.
In a separate statement released late Tuesday, the regulator accused digital platforms and online activists of breaching Gabonese law by circulating content described as inappropriate, defamatory, hateful, and abusive. The authority argued that such material has the potential to inflame tensions, mislead the public, and undermine respect for institutions, justifying the need for decisive regulatory action.
The move comes amid a sensitive political period in Gabon. President Brice Oligui Nguema was elected in April last year after leading a military coup in August 2023 that brought an end to more than five decades of rule by former president Ali Bongo. The government has since emphasised stability and national unity as priorities, framing the social media restrictions as part of broader efforts to maintain order during the country’s political transition.