Gabon: suspension du site d’information 241 par la Haute Autorité de la communication

The Haute Autorité de la communication (HAC) in Gabon has taken decisive action, suspending the online news platform Info 241 indefinitely. This measure follows the publication of a controversial article that has sparked considerable debate across the nation.

At the heart of the regulatory body’s decision lies an article titled: « Lanlaire balance sur Oligui : 150 000 € offerts, vidéos compromettantes, bisexualité, 20 milliards dilapidés… ». The piece focused on Anges Landry Mbeng, known publicly as Lanlaire, a Gabonese influencer residing in France.

The HAC asserts that the content published by Info 241 contained « propos injurieux, scandaleux et d’une rare virulence sur la personne du président de la République et sa famille » (injurious, scandalous, and exceptionally virulent remarks concerning the President of the Republic and his family). According to the authority, the media outlet failed to adhere to legal provisions, leading to its immediate suspension.

In response, Info 241 issued a statement, accusing the HAC of acting hastily and incorrectly, alleging that the authority made its decision « sans même lire l’article à l’origine de sa énième décision épidermique » (without even reading the article that prompted its latest rash decision).

This incident has become a prominent topic of discussion throughout Gabon. Numerous supporters of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema have publicly called for legal proceedings to be initiated against Lanlaire and anyone deemed to be his accomplices in this matter.