DAKAR, Senegal: The government in the African country of Gabon has announced the blocking of all social media in the country, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
The ban will take effect immediately and remain in place until further notice, according to a statement from the communications authority, which was broadcast on television.
Residents of the capital, Libreville, told dpa on Wednesday that Facebook, Instagram and TikTok were no longer accessible.
WhatsApp and other messenger services continued to function.
The authority cited the spread of false news, defamation of individuals and institutions, as well as breaches of data protection, as reasons for the ban.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental right, but must not be exercised in violation of applicable laws, the authority said.
Frustration over the rising cost of living and low salaries has led to protests and strikes in the oil-rich coastal country.
In response to the protests, the government of President Brice Oligui Nguema this week suspended taxes, import duties and fees on several foodstuffs and building materials for six months.
Two and a half years ago Oligui led a bloodless coup d’état against the Bongo family that had ruled autocratically for decades.
He was subsequently elected president just under a year ago.
Most of the approximately 2.5 million Gabonese live in poverty despite the country’s wealth of natural resources.
According to the World Bank, almost 40 per cent of Gabon’s young people are unemployed. – BERNAMA-DPA
