Reports reaching the desk of Africa Today News, New York has it that Nigeria has reportedly cut the power supply to the Niger Republic as one of the sanctions from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the coup in the country.
According to its sources, Nigeria cut the power supply to the Niger Republic yesterday.
Recall that General Abdourahmane Tchiani, also known as Omar Tchiani, declared himself leader, while Niger’s elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, has been held by the military since the coup took place last week.
The report said power outages in Niger have been more frequent than it was in previous times as power only stayed on for about an hour at a period for residents of the cities of Niamey, Maradi, and Zinder.
According to Nigelec as quoted by the BBC, the electricity organizations of Niger, the power cuts are the result of Nigeria halting supply to its northern neighbour.
Read Also: Niger: UK Endorses Tinubu, ECOWAS’ Anti-Coup Standpoint
In related news, the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) of ECOWAS met today, 2nd of August, 2023, at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja.
Although details of the meeting are not yet known, it may not be unconnected to the coup de etat at the Niger Republic, a nation that shares a border with Nigeria.
ECOWAS leaders had earlier condemned the pronouncement of support by foreign governments and foreign private military contractors as they expressed appreciation to various governments and partners for their stance and solidarity.
Africa Today News, New York reports that the summit hosted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his capacity as Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, also agreed to appoint and dispatch a special representative to deliver the demands of the authority.