Gabon presidency defends temporary social media suspension as a protective measure
via Gabon Review3 min read
Gabon's Special Advisor and Spokesperson for the Presidency of the Republic, Théophane Nzame-Nze Biyoghe, addressed the ongoing suspension of several digital platforms and social networks, reiterating its temporary and conservative nature. During a press conference on July 17 in Libreville, he rejected a purely political interpretation, stating the measure primarily aims to regulate and protect the population, especially the youth. He emphasized that the decision was deliberate, not arbitrary, and intended to safeguard public order and citizen security. Biyoghe noted that the government has been in dialogue with major digital platforms for months to enhance content control. He cited cooperation with TikTok, where agents from the High Authority of Communication HAC received training from TikTok's regional representation in Africa. This collaboration, which the Minister of Digital Economy has also pursued, has led to the removal of certain accounts and over 20,000 harmful contents from the platform. The spokesperson stressed that this regulatory policy extends beyond political considerations, highlighting the state's broader responsibility to protect citizens, particularly the youth, from the significant influence of digital platforms on behavior and values. He also mentioned that Gabon is not acting in isolation, as other states are considering similar social media regulations. Biyoghe confirmed that discussions with TikTok resulted in an agreement to identify problematic cont
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Gabon's Ministry of Interior, Security, and Decentralization will initiate a reform of the legal framework governing religious organizations. Minister Adrien Nguema Mba announced on July 18 that an information meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Libreville, to develop a preliminary draft law concerning religious associations. This meeting marks the official launch of consultations with key stakeholders in the sector, aiming to provide the country with a text that better organizes the functioning of religious structures and adapts their legal framework to current realities. The initiative reflects the Gabonese authorities' desire to structure a growing sector while strengthening dialogue with relevant actors. The working session, scheduled for 10 AM at the Ministry of Economy's auditorium, will bring together leaders of religious denominations, federations, confederations, independent churches, religious associations, and legally recognized traditional chiefdoms. Each organization is requested to be represented by two duly mandated individuals. The authorities intend to open a dialogue with representatives of religious organizations before finalizing the text, with the objective of gathering their observations and fostering a common understanding of the proposed orientations for this bill. The ministry emphasized the importance of this meeting for the success of the process, stating that "given the importance of the items on the agenda, everyone's presence is hi
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