Guinea's Energy Paradox: When Counting Megawatts is Deemed Illiteracy

A recent opinion piece by a self-proclaimed non-intellectual from Kankan, Guinea, has sparked a heated debate about the country's energy crisis and the perception of illiteracy. The author, who prefers to remain anonymous, recounts a conversation at the National Assembly where a doctor in economics was labeled an "analphabet" by a minister for stating that Guinea sells electricity to neighboring countries while its own capital, Conakry, suffers from frequent power outages.

The author reflects on their own experience with electricity in Kankan, where the local river, the Milo, has flowed without interruption since before their grandparents' time, but has never provided electricity. They contrast this with the reports from Conakry, which are always "enlightened" due to the presence of generators, while those who do not read and rely on visual observations are often left in the dark.

The Guinea-based writer questions the notion of intellectualism and illiteracy, citing the example of a local man named Hakilima, who walks around with an unconnected light bulb as a symbol of his "export" of electricity. Hakilima's actions are met with ridicule from children but earn respect from the elderly, who see him as a visionary.

The author also recalls the 2018 protests over the lack of electricity, which led to a visit from a well-educated Prime Minister who promised to address the issue through a solar power plant. However, the project stalled after the Chinese contractor passed away, and subsequent rumors of a possible Korean replacement have not come to fruition.

In a broader context, the author critiques the country's approach to problem-solving, where educated individuals often prioritize theoretical explanations over practical solutions. They argue that this approach has led to a situation where even basic arithmetic, such as counting megawatts, is seen as a subversive act.

The Guinea-based opinion writer concludes by suggesting that the country's education system and perception of intellectualism need to be reevaluated. They propose a tongue-in-cheek solution: closing schools and distributing honorary doctorates to those who remain silent, which would make Guinea the most educated country in Africa, but also the darkest.

Ultimately, the author reflects on the complexities of Guinea's energy crisis and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the issues at hand. They emphasize that, despite the challenges, there are still individuals like Hakilima who offer alternative perspectives and inspire critical thinking.

Key points

• The controversy surrounding the doctor's statement highlights the complexities of Guinea's energy crisis and the perception of illiteracy and intellectualism.