Since February 17th, Gabon's digital landscape has been deprived of its main social networks. Faced with this strict suspension imposed by the High Authority for Communication (HAC) , TikTok's management has chosen the path of direct diplomacy. A delegation from the Chinese platform is expected in Libreville to try to persuade the authorities.

A security and social power struggle

The President of the Transition, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema , remains inflexible. Officially, the High Authority for Communication (HAC) justifies this block by the proliferation of content deemed "hateful and detrimental to national security."

However, the timing raises questions: this measure comes amidst a climate of social unrest, as the teaching profession attempts to mobilize. While overall internet access remains, the imposed silence on social media appears to many to be a strategy of political censorship .

The "announcement" strategy: TikTok plays the submission card

Rather than denouncing an attack on freedom of expression, TikTok is adopting a conciliatory stance. In a letter addressed to Germain Ngoyo Moussavou (president of the HAC), Nshingu Kazadi, head of the platform for Francophone Africa, offered numerous assurances of goodwill:

1. Recognition of local laws: TikTok claims to scrupulously respect the Gabonese Communication Code of 2016.
2. Technical arsenal: The platform offers to integrate the TikTok Safety Enforcement Tool (TSET).
3. Increased collaboration: Strengthening moderation, blocking sensitive keywords and creating a priority reporting channel for authorities.

The challenge: To transform the regulator into a moderation partner in order to obtain the reopening of the service.

A significant economic impact

Beyond the political aspect, the financial cost of this "blackout" is starting to take its toll. The lost revenue for the operators (Moov Africa, Airtel, CanalBox) is estimated at around 50 million FCFA per day .

If TikTok's negotiations are successful, they could set a precedent for the return of YouTube and Facebook, which are also impacted by this radical measure.