New Delhi, Feb. 19 -- Gabon has suspended access to social media and digital platforms throughout the central African nation until further notice, the authorities said as critics accuse the country's leader of crackdown on dissent.

The communications agency said it had observed on social media and digital platforms what it described as inappropriate, defamatory, hateful and insulting content that undermines human dignity, the country's institutions and national security.

The agency's statement added that this constitutes offenses punishable under national and international laws, as well as under policies on moderation adopted by major digital platforms.

"The High Authority for Communication has decided to immediately suspend social med...