A Master's student at the University of Yaoundé II, Bulawah Conrald Kain, tragically died in his room from electrocution while using his phone connected to a power outlet. The incident occurred last Tuesday at the Faculty of Economics and Management, plunging the university community into dismay.
According to initial findings, a power surge passed through the student's phone while it was charging, killing him instantly. Authorities quickly arrived at the scene and launched an investigation to determine the exact causes of the accident.
Attention is focused on the likely use of a substandard charger and cable, lacking certifications. These accessories, often cheaper, do not meet safety standards and can be deadly. The African market is flooded with these counterfeit products, sold without any quality control, posing a real danger to consumers.
Technically, the risk of electrocution occurs when an insulation fault occurs. A safe charger must be manufactured according to rigorous standards, incorporating voltage regulation mechanisms. Low-end models are often unable to manage voltage variations in the electrical grid. The current can then propagate through the user's body, turning them into a conductor.
This tragedy highlights a major public health problem. The lack of control over electronic accessories sold on the informal market exposes consumers to considerable risks. Students, often with limited budgets, are particularly vulnerable, prioritizing price over safety.
In the face of this tragedy, questions arise about the need for stricter control of charger imports and increased awareness of the dangers of uncertified products. How many more lives will have to be sacrificed before concrete measures are taken?
The incident reopens the debate on the quality and safety of electronic devices sold in Africa. In 2022, new regulations in Cameroon aimed to collect customs duties and taxes on imported phones, shifting the burden of payment to the end user in the event of default by the importer. This measure had sparked strong opposition.
Beyond fiscal measures, the issue of standardization and product certification is at the heart of the problem. Organizations like UL test and set standards for charging accessories. The absence of these certifications on cheap products is a warning sign.
"You get what you pay for," warned Randy Ivans, wire and cable program manager for UL. Acquiring a cheap charger can prove to be a miscalculation.
