Gabon and Meta resume talks on social media regulation amid suspension controversy

During the « Abidjan 2 » international conference focused on artificial intelligence and digital platform regulation, Germain Ngoyo Moussavou, President of Gabon’s High Authority of Communication (HAC), held discussions with Meta executives. Central to their talks: the suspension of social media platforms in Gabon and the potential for stronger legal frameworks governing the digital space.

The future of social media in Gabon took center stage at a major digital regulation forum. From June 1 to 3, 2026, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Germain Ngoyo Moussavou joined the « Abidjan 2 » conference, co-organized by the African Communications Regulators Network (RIARC) and the Francophone Media Regulators Network (REFRAM). The event brought together regulators, digital experts, and global platform representatives to address challenges in AI governance, content moderation, and communication freedoms.

Social media suspension dominates the agenda

On the sidelines of the conference, the HAC President met Balkissa Idé Siddo, Meta’s Sub-Saharan Africa Public Policy Director, alongside Serge Mbengue, the company’s West Africa representative.

In an official HAC statement, the discussions revolved around Gabon’s social media suspension. Meta acknowledged « the sovereign decision of the Gabonese State » while emphasizing understanding of the authorities’ stated motivations. The tech giant also noted its attentiveness to Gabon’s ongoing regulatory efforts to better structure social media and digital platform usage.

Signs of renewed engagement between Gabon and Meta

While Meta advocated for lifting the temporary suspension, the company signaled its commitment to continuing dialogue with Gabon’s regulator. The goal? Enhancing content moderation for Gabon-specific issues and deepening collaboration between the platform and the HAC.

This meeting unfolds against a backdrop of intensifying digital regulation debates across Africa. Participants at « Abidjan 2 » endorsed a final declaration urging stronger regulatory capacities, development of legal frameworks tailored to AI and social media, and greater integration of African languages in digital systems. Beyond Gabon’s case, the session underscores Africa’s drive to reclaim control over digital governance while fostering constructive engagement with global tech leaders.