Gabon's transitional government has sparked fierce debate after an ordinance dated 26 February — requiring all social media users to register under their real names and national identification numbers rather than pseudonyms — leaked online last week and came into immediate effect. Critics, including former transitional parliament member Marcel Libama, have condemned the measure as unconstitutional, warning it signals "the collapse of freedom of expression" in the country, while supporters argue it will curb defamation and destabilisation campaigns conducted under cover of anonymity. The ordinance must still be submitted to parliament, which may amend, ratify, or reject it; it comes as social media platforms have officially been suspended in Gabon (a Central African nation currently under military-led transitional rule following a 2023 coup) since February, with authorities citing the protection of young people and the integrity of public institutions as justification.