Heatwaves and power outages challenge support for military regimes in Chad and Mali

As temperatures soar in Chad and Mali, residents are facing severe water and electricity shortages, exacerbating the already challenging living conditions in the Sahel region. Housewife Sylvie Belrangar in N’Djamena expressed her frustration at the lack of basic services promised by the government, highlighting the struggles faced by many in the area.

The upcoming presidential vote in Chad has sparked controversy, with critics accusing President Mahamat Idriss Deby of using the election to solidify his grip on power rather than addressing the needs of the people. Belrangar, like many voters, has lost faith in Deby’s leadership, citing the government’s failure to provide essential services.

In Mali, the situation is no better, with ice vendor Bintou Traore facing rising costs due to electricity shortages impacting production. The recent heatwave has led to a surge in deaths, further highlighting the urgent need for reliable power supply to mitigate the effects of extreme temperatures.

Despite the dire situation, government officials in Chad and Mali have remained silent on the issue, further fueling public frustration. Political analyst Koureissi Cisse noted that the electricity outages have eroded support for the junta in Mali, as people suffer from heat-related illnesses and deaths due to the lack of basic services.

As the region grapples with the impact of climate change and political instability, the plight of residents like Belrangar and Traore serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective governance and infrastructure to address the challenges faced by communities in the Sahel region.