In observance of the World press freedom day this Friday, May 3rd, Reporters without borders (RSF) released its annual ranking, highlighting an apparent improvement in Gabon. Despite climbing 38 places in 2024, the country retains the 56th position out of 180 nations according to RSF’s index.
This advancement is partly attributed to statements by the Transitional president, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, pledging increased support to the press. However, RSF underscores persistent obstacles in Gabon, pointing to the High authority of communication (HAC) for its perceived repressive actions, hindering the emergence of a genuinely free and independent press.
The HAC is criticised for its « zealous sanctions » and « abusive suspensions, »with Gabon Mail Infos being one of its victims, enduring a four-month signal cutoff by the institution, demanding a fee significantly higher than the technical approval from the Ministry of Communication and Media.
RSF highlights the lack of independence of the HAC due to the appointment of its members by the incumbent power.
Additionally, economic challenges faced by the media, exacerbated by the 2014 commodities crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic, are noted. Despite more equitable distribution of support to media since 2020, journalists continue to grapple with significant financial hurdles, including declining advertising revenue and advertisers shifting away from critical media.
Despite a decrease in arbitrary arrests, gabonese journalists remain subject to intimidation, notably through summons by security services. This underscores the progress needed to ensure genuinely free and independent press in Gabon, despite the efforts made thus far.
