Some cities in the Republic of Niger are facing rolling blackouts following Sunday’s sanctions imposed by ECOWAS on plotters of the July 26th coup with toppled the government of President Mohamed Bazoum.
The BBC reports that Niger’s electricity company, Nigelec, stated that Nigeria, a major electricity supplier to Niger, has cut its supply in response to the political situation.
Thenewsguru.com (TNG) reported that ECOWAS imposed a travel ban and blockade on Niger until the reinstatement of President Bazoum, who was ousted by the military.
Military chiefs from some West African countries on Wednesday began a crucial meeting at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja over the situation in Niger.
Countries represented at the meeting include Togo, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea, Gambia, Cote’Divoire, Cabo Verde and Republic of Benin.
Meanwhile, the Autonomous Syndicate of Magistrates of Niger (SAMAN) has condemned the military’s intrusion into the political scene through the July 26 coup and demanded the return to normal constitutional order in the country.
SAMAN urged the National Council to the Safeguarding of the Fatherland (CNSP) led by Brigadier General Abdourahamane Tchiani, to restore constitutional order promptly.
The Union emphasizes that no one should be deprived of their rights and freedoms without due legal procedures in compliance with national and international laws.
The CNSP on Tuesday ordered the reopening of Niger’s land and air borders with Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, and Chad.
Barely seven days after the occurrence of the coup, Tchiani appointed new governors for several regions in Niger to facilitate governance during this period of political uncertainty.
Niger’s power cuts can have economic and societal implications, including disrupting industrial activities and businesses which can impact government revenue.