Sierra Leone's Energy Minister Resigns within Electricity Crisis as Government Settles Debts
Sierra Leone's Energy Minister, Kanja Sesay, resigned on Friday in the wake of a crippling electricity crisis that has plunged the nation into darkness for weeks.
His resignation came on the same day the government announced it had paid part of the tens of millions of dollars it owed to key energy providers, signaling an attempt to stabilize the country's power supply.
In his resignation letter, Sesay accepted full responsibility for the crisis, an act that has drawn mixed reactions from the public. As a direct response, President Julius Maada Bio's office announced that the energy ministry would now be under the president's direct supervision, indicating a more hands-on approach to resolve the issue.
Shortly after Sesay's resignation, the government stated it had paid $17 million of the $48 million it owed to Turkey's Karpowership, the company responsible for providing electricity to the capital, Freetown. This payment led to the restoration of full electricity supply to the capital, providing a glimmer of hope in the midst of chaos.
"We are pleased to confirm that the power supply at full capacity to Sierra Leone has been restored," Karpowership said in a statement, confirming the government's payment and the consequent return of electricity. However, this relief comes after a protracted period of blackouts that has had severe consequences on daily life and the health sector.
Since mid-April, Freetown and the cities of Bo, Kenema, and Koidu have suffered extended periods without electricity. In an email to Reuters on April 19, Karpowership noted it was owed $48 million and had reduced its power output from 60 megawatts to just 6 megawatts, leaving hospitals, businesses, and residents in a state of crisis.
The blackout's impact on hospitals has been devastating. Dr. Jeredine George reported that at least one infant died at the main children's hospital due to the power outage. Medics were forced to use mobile phone torches to conduct procedures, and many healthcare workers turned to social media to voice their outrage and desperation.
The resignation of the energy minister and the government's effort to settle its debts may offer a path toward resolution, but the damage caused by the crisis will take time to repair. The government's next steps will be critical in regaining the trust of its citizens and preventing further tragedies.