During the Abidjan 2 international conference on AI and digital platform regulation, Germain Ngoyo Moussavou, President of Gabon’s High Authority of Communication (HAC), engaged in pivotal discussions with Meta executives. The talks centered on the future of social media in Gabon and the possibility of strengthening legal frameworks governing digital spaces.
The event, held from June 1 to 3 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, brought together regulators, digital experts, and global platform representatives to address AI governance, content moderation, and communication freedoms. As part of these high-level exchanges, the HAC President met with Balkissa Idé Siddo, Meta’s Public Policy Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, and Serge Mbengue, the company’s West Africa representative.
Social media suspension under scrutiny
Meta acknowledged Gabon’s sovereign decision to suspend social media platforms while expressing appreciation for the authorities’ stated motivations. The company also emphasized its commitment to closely monitor regulatory initiatives aimed at enhancing oversight of digital platforms and social networks in Gabon.
Rebuilding collaboration with Meta
While Meta advocated for lifting the temporary suspension, the company underscored its readiness to continue constructive dialogue with Gabon’s communications regulator. The goal is to refine content moderation policies for Gabon-related material and deepen cooperation between the platform and national authorities.
This meeting reflects broader trends in Africa, where digital regulation is gaining momentum. Participants at the Abidjan 2 conference endorsed a final declaration urging stronger regulatory capacities, legal frameworks for AI and social media, and greater inclusion of African languages in digital systems. Beyond Gabon’s specific case, this interaction highlights Africa’s collective push to assert control over its digital landscape while maintaining open channels with global tech leaders.
