Gabon’s social media crackdown: what’s changing and why it matters
The Republic of Gabon is tightening its grip on social media with a fresh set of rules that have ignited fierce public debate. At the heart of the controversy lies Article 4 of a newly issued ordinance, which now prohibits the use of pseudonyms across all online platforms. Under this regulation, every social media user—whether individual or business—must disclose their full legal name, surname, and personal identification number (NIP). Companies are additionally required to provide their commercial registration details.
For social media personality Bienvenue Effayong, who has built a following under the local-language pseudonym « Bitome »—meaning « problems »—the new law is long overdue. A vocal supporter of the government, Effayong frequently faces harsh backlash from anonymous online critics. He welcomes the change: « I fully endorse this policy, not just by 100%, but by 1,000%, because too many people hide behind fake names and profiles to spread lies, hurl insults, and even try to destabilize the country. Now, everyone must take responsibility for what they say. »
free speech vs. online accountability: the heart of the controversy
The ordinance, though immediately enforceable, still awaits parliamentary review, where lawmakers can amend, ratify, or reject it. Yet its immediate impact has drawn sharp criticism from former lawmaker Marcel Libama, who calls it a direct assault on constitutional rights. « This decree dismantles freedom of expression and undermines democracy in Gabon. We do not need such a repressive measure—especially one that contradicts our own Constitution, » he argues.
The government defends the move as necessary to curb online abuse, including defamation, hate speech, and attempts to destabilize public institutions. Social media platforms have been officially blocked in Gabon since February, with authorities framing the shutdown as a step toward protecting youth and restoring digital civility.
