Fifty days of restricted internet in Guinea. Since November 24, access to the web and social networks has been limited within the country. My friend, here are my 3 thoughts on “paradise”.
In Guinea, networks and internet access have been disrupted and very restricted since November 24, 2023.
(Image d’illustration). CC0 Pixabay/LoboStudioHamburg
Dear friend,
It is with sincere joy that I learned of your plan to visit our country, now proudly called Paradise. Since your last visit, a lot of changes have taken place, and the capital is flourishing through splendid images shared on social networks (thanks to Adobe and the National Tourist Office)! In short, before you book your plane ticket, some important information deserves your attention.
Running out of gas: the daily challenges of getting around in Paradise
When it comes to traveling by car, it might be a bit of a hassle. From the tragic explosion of December 18 in the hydrocarbon depot at the port of Conakry, the country plunged into an unprecedented gasoline shortage.
💡 If you haven’t seen these images on social media yet, know that those who tried to share them encountered difficulties, as I explain in the next point.
Logistical hurdles also delayed arrival of the 50 million liters of fuel promised by Côte d’Ivoire a few days after the fire at the Kaloum depot. Faced with this situation, the government is seeking to justify itself while anger is brewing in the country. Guineans are forced to wait for very long hours at gas stations to obtain the authorized 25 liters, thus causing a surge in fuel prices on the black market.
Firefighters monitor the fire after an explosion at an oil terminal in Conakry, Guinea, December 18, 2023.
© Reuters/Stringer
Digital blackout: 50 days of internet censorship in Guinea
Here in Paradise, citizens do not have #InternetRight, and even tourists are affected by this common evil. It’s a bit like someone telling you “Disconnect!” » Forget the lives, the streamings galore, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and I won’t even mention X (ex-Twitter). Social networks, as well as certain news websites, televisions and radios, are quite simply subject to censorship. Don’t ask me why, because even I have no idea. All that the Government has put forward is that it is “ in the name of national security ».
💡 Before you fly, I strongly advise you to install a good VPN. This will allow you to keep in touch with your loved ones once you are here.
Justifications that do not hold water, as easily demonstrated by a Villagers 2.0. I would also like to have your opinion on this situation. Should the government confiscate the internet from more than 13,000,000 residents because of rumors spread by a single videoman or a group of videomen, in the name of national security? Now that everything is knownand that the Directorate of Communication and Information (DCI) released son blockbusterwhose main actors are a soldier (of course he wears a red beret!), a breeder, a shopkeeper, an artist manager and even a student!
Glimmer of hope on the ground: the national Syli shines despite the darkness
Guinean defender Sekou Sylla fights for the ball with Cameroonian striker Franck Magri during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group C football match between Cameroon and Guinea at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro January 15, 2024. AFP – ISSOUF SANOGO
The third and final update brings us to Syli National. The Guinean internationals, the Guinean football team, recently demonstrated their mastery by dominating the indomitable lion of Cameroon despite numerical inferiority. A remarkable feat which suggests the possibility that the African Cup will find its place in Paradise this year.
Now, perhaps you are wondering what connection there is between National Syli and the current crisis in Paradise. Well, Syli is much more than a football team. When everything goes wrong, Syli remains.
If you have the privilege of coming to Paradise, know that after each victory of our Syli National, the streets will be invaded by supporters. Songs and dances will punctuate your daily life during this CAN, you must prepare yourself for it. Also anticipate the human “traffic jams” caused by popular jubilation when Syli wins a match.
💡 So, since you’re about to visit us, don’t forget to purchase a Paradise jersey to support the future African champions!