Chad and Mali Juntas Tested by Heatwaves and Power Blackouts
In the blistering heat of N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, Sylvie Belanger, a housewife, turned the tap handle in her compound only to find it dry. Water shortages and extreme temperatures have become a harsh reality for many in parts of West and North-Central Africa’s Sahel region. Belrangar expressed her frustration: “The president promised water and electricity. But since then, we’ve seen nothing.” Her sentiments echo across the semi-arid Sahel, where a severe heatwave in April exacerbated the struggle for essential services, particularly in countries like Chad and Mali, led by military juntas.
Recent power outages have fueled discontent with the military authorities in Mali and Chad, exacerbating social tensions at a critical juncture for both nations. In Chad, a presidential election scheduled for Monday is anticipated to solidify Mahamat Idriss Deby’s grip on power following two years of rule after his father’s demise. However, critics view the election as a mere facade to legitimize Deby’s leadership and doubt that it will reflect the desires of disillusioned voters like Belrangar.
Bintou Traore, an ice vendor in Bamako, Mali’s capital, faced challenges as soaring temperatures threatened her livelihood. “Ice is very expensive now,” she lamented, attributing the price hike to increased factory costs, which rely on generators due to electricity shortages. The April heatwave resulted in a surge of deaths at hospitals in Bamako and across the region, highlighting the critical need for a reliable power supply to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on public health.
Despite the gravity of the situation, officials from the governments of Chad and Mali did not respond to inquiries regarding the ongoing challenges faced by their citizens. In Mali, electricity outages have become more frequent since the military coup in 2020, eroding public support for the junta. Political analyst Koureissi Cisse emphasized the dire consequences of power cuts during periods of extreme heat, citing instances of seizures and fatalities.
Opposition figures in Mali have seized on the power outages as evidence of the junta’s governance failures, criticizing the delay in transitioning to democracy and the suppression of political activities under the guise of maintaining public order. As the Sahel grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and political instability, ensuring access to essential services like water and electricity remains a pressing concern for the region’s inhabitants.
