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Gabon’s government is currently engaged in high-stakes negotiations with Meta and TikTok following a nationwide social media blackout that has lasted more than a week.
The communication ministry confirmed on Thursday that officials are seeking a resolution after the media regulator suspended major platforms on February 17 “until further notice.”
While Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube remain completely offline for most users, WhatsApp services have been erratic, fluctuating depending on the service provider.
The government justified the suspension by accusing the platforms of hosting content that stokes conflict, division, and social unrest.
Deputy presidency spokeswoman Jennyfer Melodie Sambat revealed that authorities had been issuing warnings for over 18 months regarding defamatory, violent, and even pornographic publications.
She expressed frustration that Meta, in particular, had failed to act on numerous alerts, stating it was “inconceivable” for the tech giant to remain idle while the country’s stability was at stake.
In response, TikTok has reportedly signalled a willingness to cooperate, expressing a commitment to maintaining a digital environment that respects the rights of Gabonese citizens.
Credit: RFI
Government spokespeople have clarified that the ban is intended to be a temporary measure to prioritise “better regulation” rather than a permanent censorship move.
However, opposition figures, including former Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, have condemned the action as unconstitutional and a disproportionate strike against freedom of expression.
Despite the digital blockade, many citizens have turned to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to stay connected.
The provider Proton reported a staggering 60,000% increase in downloads within 24 hours of the initial shutdown.
As talks continue, the international community is watching closely to see if Gabon will set a new precedent for how African governments hold global tech companies accountable for local content moderation.
