On Wednesday, Nigeria decided to halt its power supply to neighboring Niger, as a part of regional punitive measures in response to a military coup that ousted Niger’s democratically elected president, Mohammed Bazoum.
The Nigerian newspaper “Premium Times” cited a source within the Nigerian Energy Company (NIGELLEC), who confirmed that Nigeria has suspended the high voltage line transmitting electricity to Niger as of this past Tuesday.
Reports indicate that Niger depends significantly on Nigeria for its electricity, with about 70% of its power supply originating from its neighbor. This interruption could seriously affect Niger’s energy needs and, by extension, its economy.
On July 27, military officials in Niger declared the ousting of President Mohammed Bazoum. They justified their actions, citing escalating security concerns and economic mismanagement within the country. In addition to the political shift, the military also announced a countrywide curfew and the closure of Niger’s borders.
The military of Niger issued a warning that any foreign military intervention could have serious and uncontrollable consequences, leading to a state of chaos within the country.
On July 30, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced that it would provide a week’s grace period for the return of President Mohammed Bazoum to power. Following this, ECOWAS could impose “all measures,” including potential military action. ECOWAS also suspended commercial and financial transactions between its member states and Niger and froze Niger’s assets in the central bank of the community and its member states’ commercial banks.
The ECOWAS coalition consists of 15 countries, including Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo.
