The Léon Thévenin: Africa's Lifeline to Global Connectivity**

The Léon Thévenin, a specialized cable repair ship, plays a critical role in keeping African nations online by mending damaged undersea internet cables, which has become increasingly vital due to frequent connectivity disruptions.**

The Léon Thévenin, a massive vessel comparable in size to a football field, embarks on its mission across African waters, ensuring that the continent remains connected to the internet. With over 50 skilled engineers on board, this ship is crucial for preventing the kind of internet blackouts experienced last year when numerous subsea cables were damaged, leaving millions in digital silence across cities such as Lagos and Nairobi.

On a recent expedition with a BBC team off the coast of Ghana, the crew shared their unwavering commitment to maintaining Africa's connectivity. "Because of me, countries stay connected," declared Shuru Arendse, a dedicated cable jointer. His sentiments resonate throughout the team, who take pride in being the unsung heroes of digital communications.

The internet infrastructure is reliant on a vast network of servers and cables, which stretch along the ocean floor to connect Africa with data centers situated globally. Benjamin Smith, the ship's deputy chief of mission, explained, "As long as the servers aren't in the country, you need a connection,” highlighting the fundamental role these cables play in accessing essential services like social media and banking.

Undersea cables are designed to last for decades, but damage caused by human activities or natural events can result in significant disruptions. "Most of the time, it's people anchoring in restricted areas or fishing boats trawling," said Charles Heald, the ship’s ROV director. Destructive incidents have led to critical outages in regions like East Africa, where several cables were severed in 2023 due to external factors.

To detect cable faults, the crew utilizes advanced testing methods, assessing electrical signals to pinpoint issues. If a cable is damaged beyond 50 meters, the Léon Thévenin is dispatched to handle repairs deep under the ocean. One repair situation off Ghana took over a week but often goes unnoticed by users thanks to rerouting measures.

The cable repair process involves using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with cameras and cutting tools to locate and repair damages. The meticulous procedure includes isolating faulty cable sections and replacing them with new parts, a task that can resemble a form of underwater welding.

Response times can vary but typically allow the Léon Thévenin crew to mobilize within 24 hours when alerted to a malfunction. However, bureaucratic delays for permits often prolong operations, adding to the complexity of their missions.

The team carries out their work for an average of six months at sea each year. They come from diverse backgrounds, representing various nationalities and faces, all of whom share a commitment to keeping Africa digitally connected. While personal sacrifices are common, including missing important family events, the camaraderie aboard keeps spirits high.

Despite the emotional challenges, the crew remains motivated by their important role in linking Africa to the rest of the world. As Chief Engineer Ferron Hartzenberg put it, “We are the link between Africa and the world,” underscoring the vital connection they maintain for the continent's ongoing digital presence.