The government has accused some political actors, activists, and online commentators of exploiting the country’s recent electricity challenges to spread misinformation and score political points, amid growing public frustration over recurring power outages.

The government expressed concern over what it described as “misinformation, deliberate distortions, and politically motivated narratives” circulating on social media and other online platforms regarding governance, corruption allegations, and the ongoing electricity supply disruptions.

While acknowledging the hardship caused by intermittent blackouts, the Government argued that some groups were using the situation to undermine public confidence rather than contribute to solutions.

“It is both irresponsible and unfortunate that some individuals and groups have chosen to exploit these temporary challenges to spread falsehoods, undermine public confidence, and score cheap political points rather than contribute constructively to national dialogue and solutions,” it said.

The Government maintained that allegations of corruption should be addressed through established institutions and legal processes rather than what it described as politically charged campaigns on social media.

“Matters of governance and public accountability are serious national issues that must be addressed through credible institutions, evidence-based processes, and the rule of law, and not through reckless speculation and politically charged disinformation,” it stated.

Addressing the electricity crisis, the Government said efforts were underway to restore stability through ongoing interventions, infrastructure investments, and regional energy cooperation initiatives, particularly under the OMVG framework.

It also defended its record in the energy sector, arguing that recent challenges should be viewed in the context of what it described as significant progress made under the administration of President Adama Barrow.

According to the statement, the country has experienced one of its most stable electricity supply periods in recent history over the past year due to reforms and investments undertaken by the Government.

The Government acknowledged that the current disruptions were regrettable but argued that temporary technical difficulties should not be used to fuel what it called “outrage, alarmism, and politically charged narratives.”

It further called on political parties, media houses, civil society actors, and members of the public to exercise restraint and responsibility in discussing national issues.

“Constructive criticism is welcome in every democratic society, but the deliberate politicisation of temporary national challenges for narrow partisan gain does not serve the interests of the country or its people,” it added.

By Adama Makasuba