Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ In response to the coup in Niger, Nigeria has taken action by cutting off its supply of electricity to the neighboring country. According to a source familiar with the Nigerien Electricity Company (Nigelec), Nigeria disconnected the high voltage transmission line that delivers electricity to Niger on Tuesday. However, the capital city, Niamey, is still receiving electricity through its own local production.
This decision to suspend the electricity supply is part of the sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against the coup leaders who deposed President-elect Mohamed Bazoum just a week ago. ECOWAS, under the leadership of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, has given the coup leaders a one-week ultimatum to restore constitutional order and has further taken measures to suspend financial transactions with Niger. Additionally, all service transactions, including energy-related ones, have been frozen.
Niger heavily relies on purchasing electricity from the Nigerian company Mainstream, which accounted for 70% of the country’s electricity supply in 2022. Power outages were already a common occurrence in many neighborhoods in Niamey, and Nigeria’s decision to disconnect the electricity supply is expected to exacerbate the situation.
To reduce its dependence on Nigeria for energy, Niger is actively working on completing its first dam, the Kandadji dam, by the year 2025. Once operational, the dam, situated on the Niger River about 180 kilometers upstream from Niamey, is projected to generate approximately 629 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity annually.
As one of the poorest countries in the world, Niger heavily relies on foreign partners for various aspects of its economy. The Nigerian Prime Minister, Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, expressed deep concern about the impact of the sanctions, stating that they will have severe repercussions on the country. The situation in Niger remains uncertain, with mounting international pressure.
