The digital news platform Info 241 in Gabon has been indefinitely suspended by the Haute Autorité de la Communication (HAC), the country’s media regulatory body. This significant move in Gabonese media regulation follows the publication of a highly controversial article that targeted President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and his family.

The article at the heart of this decision, titled « Lanlaire balance sur Oligui : 150 000 € offerts, vidéos compromettantes, bisexualité, 20 milliards dilapidés… », featured explosive claims. It cited comments made by Lanlaire, identified as Anges Landry Mbeng, a Gabonese influencer residing in France. The content of the piece included accusations of significant financial transactions, compromising videos, allegations of bisexuality, and claims of 20 billion francs being squandered, directly implicating the head of state.

The HAC issued a statement asserting that the Info 241 article contained “injurious, scandalous, and unusually virulent remarks concerning the person of the President of the Republic and his family.” The regulatory authority concluded that the news outlet had committed serious breaches of media law, leading to its immediate and indefinite suspension. This decision underscores the strict oversight of African governance on digital media platforms.

In response to the suspension, Info 241 released its own communique, vehemently denying the HAC’s accusations. The news site contended that the Haute Autorité de la Communication acted precipitously, accusing it of making an “epidermic decision” without thoroughly reviewing the controversial article itself. This stance highlights ongoing tensions between media outlets and regulatory bodies in current African affairs.

The incident has ignited extensive debate across Gabon. Numerous supporters of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema have publicly called for legal proceedings to be initiated against Lanlaire and any individuals deemed his accomplices. This public outcry reflects the heightened sensitivity surrounding political discourse and media reporting in the nation.