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A blackout has struck Niger Republic shortly after a military junta ousted the country’s elected leader, Mohamed Bazoum.
Niger’s electricity company, Nigelec, has confirmed that the blackout is a result of Nigeria cutting off power supply to the country. Although the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders have announced the imposition of sanctions on Niger, it remains unclear whether this includes electricity supplies.
Niger Republic heavily relies on Nigeria for 70 percent of its electricity, which is primarily generated from the Kainji Dam.
According to BBC reports, residents in the cities of Niamey, Maradi, and Zinder experienced a brief hour of power before enduring up to five hours of blackout. Such power cuts are uncommon in Niger, a country known for its regular and reliable electricity supply.
An anonymous source revealed that the supply to Niger was cut on Tuesday, August 1, following a presidential directive.
Currently, ECOWAS defense chiefs are convening in Nigeria to discuss the possibility of a military intervention to restore the ousted government. However, the ruling military juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso have warned ECOWAS against any intervention in Niger, arguing that any military action against the new regime would be considered a “declaration of war” against them. As a sign of protest, they did not send their defense chiefs to the ECOWAS meeting in Abuja.
