Nigeria cuts Niger Republic’s electricity supply amidst other coup sanctions
Major cities in the Niger Republic are grappling with prolonged power outages after Nigeria’s decision to cut off electricity supply to its neighboring West African country. Nigelec, an electricity company in Niger, confirmed the situation.
This move was prompted by an emergency meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), during which sanctions were imposed on the Niger Republic, including a freeze on utility services, in response to the coup.
The cities of Niamey, Maradi, and Zinder are experiencing a pattern of fluctuating electricity, with power being available for approximately an hour before being interrupted for about five hours. This disruption in the Niger Republic is unusual, as the country typically enjoys a more reliable supply of electricity, primarily sourced from Nigeria.
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When asked about the power cuts in Niger, the Transmission Company of Nigeria declined to comment on the matter. However, an anonymous source disclosed to the BBC that the electricity supply to Niger was halted on Tuesday following a presidential directive.
In response to the coup, West African leaders granted the military junta one week to relinquish power or face potential military intervention. ECOWAS defense chiefs are currently meeting in Nigeria to discuss the Niger crisis and explore potential solutions.
Last week, Niger’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, was ousted in a military coup carried out by the presidential guards. General Abdourahmane Tchiani has been installed as the new head of state.
The coup triggered widespread demonstrations against the former colonial power, France, with the French embassy in the country coming under attack. In response, France evacuated its citizens from Niger, with approximately 262 French nationals arriving in Paris early Wednesday.
Meanwhile, an ECOWAS delegation, led by Nigeria’s General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who oversaw the country’s transition from military rule to democracy in 1999, is currently holding talks in Niger. Another notable member of the delegation is reportedly the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, who wields considerable influence in the Niger Republic.
With the Niger Republic joining Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso as countries currently under military rule, the situation is being closely monitored by regional and international bodies.
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