Facebook, TikTok shut down in Equatorial Guinea

Facebook and TikTok have been inaccessible in Equatorial Guinea for more than two weeks following the circulation of a video accusing the country’s vice-president of corruption.

An AFP journalist in the country reported on Wednesday that internet speeds have been restricted since September 2, while access to Facebook and TikTok, the country’s most popular social media platforms, has been blocked without the use of a virtual private network.

Other Meta-owned platforms, including WhatsApp and Instagram, remain available but with restrictions.

The apparent shutdown followed the publication of an online video in which a young woman accused Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang, the eldest son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, of corruption.

The woman was subsequently arrested by the authorities.

Equatorial Guinea has been ruled by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo since 1979 and has regularly faced accusations of restricting civil liberties.

The vice-president, widely known as Teodorin, is known for displaying his luxury lifestyle on social media.

He was convicted in France in 2021 in a case involving “ill-gotten gains”. His assets were also frozen in the United Kingdom following investigations into corruption allegations.

The country’s information ministry did not immediately respond to questions from AFP about the reported restrictions.

The shutdown comes amid wider concerns about internet access and social media restrictions in Central Africa.

In neighbouring Gabon, social networks have been suspended since February. Authorities there said the measure was intended to combat the spread of “content… undermining… the stability of the institutions of the republic and national security”.

(Vanguard)