The Haute Autorité de la communication (HAC), Gabon’s media regulatory body, has imposed a suspension on the news website Info 241. This significant decision stems from an article published by the site titled: « Lanlaire balance sur Oligui: 150 000 € offerts, vidéos compromettantes, bisexualité, 20 milliards dilapidés… ».
The contentious piece featured allegations from Anges Landry Mbeng, known as Lanlaire, a Gabonese influencer residing in France. His statements targeted the President of the Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and his family.
According to the HAC, the Info 241 article contained « propos injurieux, scandaleux et d’une rare virulence sur la personne du président de la République et sa famille ». The authority asserted that the media outlet had committed serious breaches of the law, leading to its indefinite suspension.
In response, Info 241 issued a communiqué, accusing the HAC of making a hasty decision « sans même lire l’article à l’origine de sa énième décision épidermique ». The news site suggested that the regulatory body acted without a thorough review of the content in question.
The incident has ignited extensive discussion across Gabon. Supporters of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema have vocally demanded legal proceedings against Lanlaire and any individuals deemed to be his accomplices in this matter.
