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Gabon Suspends Social Media Amid Unrest and Strikes

Is Gabon's social media suspension necessary to combat hate speech or unjustified censorship that crushes civil liberties?

Published 1 day ago

Gabon Suspends Social Media Amid Unrest and Strikes

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Above: Brice Oligui Nguema at the Leon-Mba International Airport in Libreville, Gabon, on Nov. 23, 2025. Image credit: Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

Gabon's social media suspension is a necessary defense against rampant hate speech, cyberbullying and misinformation that directly threaten national stability and social cohesion. The proliferation of defamatory content, doxing and targeted smear campaigns has reached dangerous levels that undermine human dignity and institutional integrity. Freedom of expression remains protected, but cannot be weaponized to violate the law or undermine public order.

Apa News

Government-critical narrative

This disproportionate censorship crushes civil liberties and devastates Gabon's digital economy under the guise of security concerns. Cutting off millions from communication platforms eliminates alternative information channels and civic expression precisely when political accountability matters most. Small businesses, entrepreneurs and freelancers who depend on these platforms for customer relationships and sales now face economic collapse due to this indefinite shutdown.

Capmad