Gabon Suspends Social Media Over Fake News Concerns

The Gabon Media Regulatory Authority announced a nationwide suspension of social media platforms due to the proliferation of "hateful content" and "fake news." Spokesman Jean Claude Mendom stated that the decision was necessary to address the negative impact of online content, which undermines national stability. The announcement did not specify which social media platforms are affected by the ban.

Despite the suspension, the authorities emphasized that freedom of expression remains protected under Gabonese law. This decision comes less than a year after Brice Oligui Nguema was elected president of Gabon, amid ongoing social unrest, including a nationwide teachers' strike that began in December over poor working conditions.

Public sector protests have also emerged, raising concerns about the stability of the government in the country.