In a thought-provoking article, a Guinean writer from Kankan shares his perspective on the country's energy crisis, questioning the notion of what it means to be an intellectual or an analphabète. He notes that his grandmother, who had no formal education, possessed a profound understanding of economics, while educated officials often fail to grasp the reality of the nation's energy struggles. The writer's reflections are rooted in his personal experience of living in Kankan, where access to electricity is limited, and the local river, the Milo, has been a constant presence.
The writer recounts a recent incident at the National Assembly, where a doctor in economics was labeled an analphabète déguisé en intellectuel (a disguised analphabète intellectual) by a minister for pointing out that Guinea sells electricity to neighboring countries while its own capital, Conakry, suffers from frequent blackouts. This exchange highlights the tendency to dismiss critical perspectives as uninformed, rather than addressing the underlying issues. The writer argues that this kind of thinking has led to a culture of intellectual dishonesty, where individuals prioritize their own interests over the needs of the people.
The article also touches on the theme of Guinea's energy exports, noting that the country sells electricity to countries like Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau, while its own population often goes without power. The writer takes pride in this fact, suggesting that it demonstrates Guinea's generosity, but also underscores the paradox of a nation that can provide energy to others but not to its own citizens. This has led to a situation where the country's energy crisis is often attributed to external factors, rather than addressing the systemic issues that have led to this situation.
The writer also shares the story of Hakilima, a local man known as an intellectual who walks around with an unconnected light bulb as a symbol of his determination to export energy. When questioned about his actions, Hakilima responds that he is simply doing what the country's leaders have failed to do. This anecdote illustrates the frustration and disillusionment felt by many Guineans who see the country's potential for energy production being squandered. Hakilima's actions serve as a commentary on the nation's failed promises and the need for accountability.
The article highlights the blurred lines between intellectualism and analphabetism in Guinea, where educated individuals often prioritize rhetoric over practical solutions. The writer argues that this has led to a culture of obscurantism, where critical thinking is discouraged, and simplistic solutions are favored. This has resulted in a situation where the country's energy crisis is perpetuated by a lack of transparency and accountability, rather than a genuine effort to address the underlying issues.
The writer proposes a provocative solution: closing schools and distributing doctorates to those who remain silent, suggesting that this would create a nation of "intellectuals" who do not question the status quo. However, this tongue-in-cheek proposal serves to underscore the absurdity of a system that rewards silence over critical thinking. The writer's commentary on the education system highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing the country's energy crisis, one that prioritizes critical thinking and practical solutions.
As the writer blows out his candle, he reflects on the irony that even his grandmother's wisdom, passed down through generations, is often dismissed as unsophisticated. The article concludes by highlighting the paradox of a nation that struggles to provide basic services like electricity, yet continues to produce educated individuals who often fail to address the country's most pressing challenges. The writer's story serves as a commentary on the need for a more honest and nuanced discussion about Guinea's energy crisis and the role that intellectuals and analphabètes can play in addressing it.
Key points
- The Guinean writer's reflections on the country's energy crisis highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing the nation's challenges, one that prioritizes critical thinking and practical solutions over rhetoric and intellectual posturing.
