Gabon authorities have begun investigating alleged sabotage after a power outage at a thermal power plant in Libreville, which they claim was aimed at destabilizing the transitional government and unsettling the public.
Speaking on national television, government spokesman Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi condemned the incident at the Alenakiri power plant as a “criminal act” that caused widespread power outages in Greater Libreville. He warned that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice, describing it as a “deliberate strategy by the enemies of change.”
The country has been plagued by repeated power outages in recent weeks, adding to public frustration over planned power outages. The outages have intensified criticism of the national water and electricity company (SEEG), which has been plagued by allegations of corruption, including the smuggling of counterfeit meters and financial misconduct.
Ahead of presidential elections scheduled for April 12, the ongoing power crisis has increased pressure on transitional president General Brice Oligui Nguema, who has promised to improve electricity supply. A planned protest against SEEG’s failures was recently banned, adding to popular discontent.
Earlier this month, an online influencer was arrested after sharing images of a hospital emergency room left dark due to a prolonged power outage. He was released on Tuesday, according to his lawyer.
Colonel Manfoumbi warned that the government would not tolerate any acts of manipulation or sabotage and vowed strict legal action against those who tried to sow discord. He also reaffirmed the upcoming election date, but Nguema has yet to announce whether he will run for president.