We’re not disputing how cheap modules have become, but European pricing does not translate to all African markets and if those panels are not suited to the local use and conditions, then yes it is.

Cost reductions in PV manufacturing have not been achieved without some consequences

The panels in the article are not using half cells, another indication that they are older panels.
I have no knowledge of what the damaged panels were exposed to, but it is my experience that older panels were often more durable than modern ones.