Gabon Calls for Social Media Regulation Amidst Suspension Debate. LIBREVILLE, Gabon — 19 February 2026 (AGP) – The Parti démocratique gabonais (PDG), the former ruling party in Gabon, has called for the regulation of social media platforms, emphasizing the need for responsible use.
The call comes amidst ongoing discussions regarding the suspension of social media networks in the country, according to a statement from the Gabonese Press Agency.
The PDG, in a document obtained by the agency, highlighted the importance of a balanced and continuous regulation of the digital ecosystem.
The party argued that the recent suspension of social media platforms underscores the inadequacies in the current regulatory framework for the dynamic and diverse digital landscape.
The PDG suggested that the High Authority of Communication (HAC) should consider measures similar to those implemented in Australia and France, including the potential restriction of social media use for certain groups, such as children and adolescents.
The former ruling party also urged citizens and public authorities to ensure that social media is used responsibly, emphasizing the values of dialogue, tolerance, and peace.
The PDG emphasized the importance of digitalization in the country’s administrative processes, noting the existence of a ministry dedicated to the Digital Economy. This underscores the need to consider the economic and professional activities that rely on digital tools and online platforms.
In response, the Minister of Communication and Media, Germain Biahodjow, expressed the government’s commitment to reforming and securing the national digital communication ecosystem. He assured the public of measures to mitigate the potential economic impact of the social media suspension.
According to Biahodjow, the government is dedicated to conducting a reform aimed at reorganizing and securing the national digital communication ecosystem, both legally and operationally.
The situation reflects a broader debate on the role of social media in modern society and the challenges of balancing freedom of expression with the need for regulation to protect public interests.
