BREAKING: Power Blackouts Hits Niger (SEE WHY)

Following the recent coup in Niger, major cities in the country are experiencing rolling blackouts as Nigeria, its northern neighbor, has cut off electricity supplies.

The power shortages have affected cities like Niamey, Maradi, and Zinder, with residents facing intermittent power for about an hour at a time before it is switched off for up to five hours.

This situation is unusual for Niger, which typically has reliable electricity supply but heavily relies on Nigeria for its main source of power.

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The West African trading bloc Ecowas has imposed sanctions on Niger in response to the coup, but it is not clear if these sanctions include electricity supplies. Ecowas defense chiefs are currently meeting in Nigeria to discuss the crisis in Niger.

The coup occurred when President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by his own presidential guards, and the constitution was suspended. Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, chief of the presidential guard, has been installed as the head of state.

In response to the coup, European countries are evacuating their citizens from Niger. Meanwhile, Ecowas is mediating in the crisis, with a delegation led by Nigeria’s former military head of state Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar. The delegation also includes Nigeria’s most senior Muslim leader, the Sultan of Sokoto.

The military government in Niger has announced the re-opening of borders with neighboring countries except for Nigeria, whose borders remain closed. The situation has prompted demonstrations against France, the former colonial power, with the French embassy being attacked. However, France has no plans to repatriate its soldiers stationed in Niger as part of efforts to counter Islamist militants.