Students in Diffa, Niger, formally denounced the impact of power cuts on their education during a joint press conference held on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The event took place at Lycée Idrissa Aloma and included participants from the Executive Committee of the Union des Étudiants Nigériens (USN) of the University of Diffa, alongside representatives of students from professional and technical institutes and schools, and students from Diffa's high schools and middle schools. Their collective statement was subsequently transmitted to the regional office of the Agence Nigérienne de Presse (ANP). The declaration, referred to as a "press conjointe," noted the severe challenges faced by the student population due to persistent energy issues.
Education Under Threat
The students stated that the electricity situation "compromises seriously the conditions d’apprentissage des élèves et étudiants," according to their joint declaration. They emphasized that the prolonged absence of electricity prevents many students from revising lessons effectively at night, particularly during critical exam periods. This disruption impacts their ability to prepare adequately for academic assessments, potentially affecting their performance and future prospects.
Schools and universities in the region also face operational difficulties, as the lack of power impedes the use of modern learning tools such as computers, projectors, and printers. Access to the Internet, essential for contemporary education and research, is similarly disrupted, further isolating students from vital resources. Students preparing theses, engaging in academic research, and studying for exams are heavily penalized by power supply disruptions that affect key facilities like cybercafés, documentation centers, and digital learning spaces. These resources are indispensable for advanced academic work, and their intermittent availability poses a significant hurdle.
The high temperatures prevalent in the Diffa region further exacerbate study conditions in classrooms and dormitories that frequently lack adequate ventilation or air conditioning due to the power cuts. This creates an uncomfortable and often unbearable learning environment, hindering concentration and productivity. Students reported that these electricity interruptions have severely disrupted the daily lives of students, teachers, and the broader population for several days, creating widespread frustration and concern. The recurrent nature of these outages has transformed them from temporary inconveniences into systemic obstacles to educational attainment and daily functioning.
Condemnation of Nigelec
The students strongly denounced with 'vigueur' the recurrent power outages (délestages) observed in Diffa over several months. In their declaration, Les scolaires de Diffa condemned "le comportement sadique et inhumain de la Nigelec" towards the people of Diffa. They characterized Nigelec's actions as sadistic and inhumane, reflecting a deep sense of grievance and perceived injustice. The students collectively called on the utility provider to "revenir à de meilleurs sentiments," urging Nigelec to reconsider its approach and cease what they perceive as discriminatory treatment against the region. This appeal notes the students' belief that the prolonged power cuts are not only disruptive but also indicative of an unfair stance towards the local population, demanding a more compassionate and equitable service provision.
Broader Context and Support
The students acknowledged the broader international situation, recognizing challenges related to security, economics, and climate. This contextualization demonstrates their awareness of wider societal issues beyond their immediate concerns regarding electricity. They also saluted the courage and determination of the Forces de défense et de sécurité for their efforts in combating insecurity across the nation, expressing solidarity with those safeguarding national stability. The students expressed support for the ongoing administrative redrawing process within Niger, aligning themselves with the government's initiatives beyond the immediate issue of power supply. This broader perspective shows their commitment to national development and security.
Official Response and Calls to Action
The students launched an appeal to competent authorities, energy sector officials, and partners, seeking rapid and sustainable solutions to improve the electricity supply in the Diffa region. They emphasized the urgent need for concrete actions to alleviate the educational and daily life burdens imposed by the power cuts. Regional authorities have been making initiatives for several months to mitigate energy difficulties in Diffa. The Governor of the Diffa region, Général de Division Mahamadou Ibrahim Bagadoma, has repeatedly called on responsible parties to find lasting solutions to the energy situation, noting the administration's awareness and concern. In recent months, several meetings have been held between administrative authorities, technical officials, and local actors regarding the region's energy issues, indicating ongoing efforts to address the crisis. The students further called on their peers to show courage, perseverance, and solidarity amidst the challenges, fostering a sense of community and resilience. They also addressed encouragements to teachers and parents for their constant support to the youth in Diffa, recognizing the collaborative effort required to navigate these difficult circumstances and ensure the continuity of education.