Just In : Transmission Company Of Nigeria Reacts To Reports Of Nigeria Cutting Off Power Supply To Niger Republic
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that power supply to Niger Republic has been cut off. The TCN stated that the power connection to Niger comes directly from the national grid and is not linked to the supply of power to any region in Nigeria. The move is part of the pressure on Niger’s coup leaders.
Meanwhile, the West Africa regional bloc, ECOWAS, has stated that military intervention in Niger is considered the last resort. As France evacuated its citizens from Niger, coup leader General Abdourahamane Tiani insisted that they have no reason to leave the country.
ECOWAS leaders imposed trade and financial sanctions on Niger, giving the coup leaders one week to reinstate the democratically elected president or face possible military action. Nigeria, as the current chair of ECOWAS, has taken a firm stance against coups in the region.
As a result of the sanctions, Nigeria cut off electricity supply to Niger, which heavily relies on Nigeria for 70 percent of its power.
Niger’s junta and neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso have warned against any military intervention, considering it a “declaration of war” against them.
Russia has called for urgent national dialogue in Niger and cautioned that threats of intervention will not help ease tensions or calm the situation.
The World Bank also announced the suspension of aid to Niger, except for private sector partnerships.