Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-03-21 05:54:31
Our country is now plunged into total darkness, metaphorically and literally. While Guineans had become accustomed to living in a world illuminated by electric lights under Alpha Condé’s regime, they now find themselves in a situation reminiscent of another era where Chinese lamps – which have thankfully replaced the candles that once caused many accidents – have become essential items, and generators invaluable assets.
The announcement, on Wednesday, by the electricity company regarding a power outage program for neighborhoods – where households will now have only about 7 hours of electricity in rotation – was met with deep disappointment by a population that had been swept away by the thrill of overconsumption of electricity.
The days when one could turn on all the lights in the house without fear of plunging into darkness are now gone. Guineans find themselves juggling power outage schedules, as if playing a game of chance where the jackpot would be a night without interruptions.
The nostalgia for Alpha Condé’s regime has taken hold of many citizens, who now see his departure through a coup as a fatal mistake. A viral video on social media shows a man desperately calling for his return, not to restore democracy or the rule of law, but simply to restore electricity supply. “Alpha, come back, there is no more power in Guinea. Our welders are not working, we have no more fresh water!” he exclaims.
It is true that in terms of electricity, Guineans had taken a step forward, but the military in power quickly brought them back two steps. Now that refrigerators have become ice boxes and TVs collectibles, the only glimmer of hope lies in the return of an era where electricity was more than just a privilege, but a fundamental right for all Guineans. Unless Ousmane Gaoual has already decided that like the internet, electricity is not a right…
Ibrahima S. Traoré for guinee7.com
Read the original article(French) on Guinee 7
