Social media suspended in Gabon until further notice

Gabons media regulator has announced the suspension of social media platforms until further notice, blaming online content for fueling conflict and division within the country.In a televised statement, the High Authority for Communication said it had imposed the immediate suspension of social media platforms in Gabon. Spokesman Jean-Claude Mendome explained that the decision followed concerns over inappropriate, defamatory, hateful, and insulting content circulating online.He said such material was undermining human dignity, public morality, the honour of citizens, social cohesion, the stability of the Republics institutions, and national security.The regulator also pointed to the spread of false information, cyberbullying and unauthorised disclosure of personal data as additional reasons behind the suspension.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, Mendome added. Authorities did not specify which platforms would be affected by the ban.Despite the move, the regulator stated that freedom of expression, including freedom of comment and criticism, remains a fundamental right enshrined in Gabon.The suspension comes less than a year after President Brice Oligui Nguema was elected and amid growing social unrest. Teachers have been on strike since December over pay and working conditions, and similar protests have spread to other public sectors, including health, higher education, and broadcasting.The post Social media suspended in Gabon until further notice appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.