Mali Turns to Niger for Electricity as Tensions with ECOWAS Escalate

Mali is contending with a severe electricity crisis, with only around half of its population having access to power. The national energy company, EDM-SA, is struggling under the weight of over $330 million in debt and can no longer ensure a continuous breaking supply of electricity to the country.

In a bid to address this pressing issue, Mali's military junta leader, Colonel Assimi Goita, has turned to neighboring Niger for assistance. Goita recently met with Niger's oil minister to finalize a partnership agreement that will see Niger supply, diesel to Mali to supply the country's power stations.

This move is part of a broader agreement between Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali to form an Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and withdraw from the West African bloc ECOWAS. The three countries have been at odds with ECOWAS over its stance on their military-led governments and alleged support for jihadist groups operating in the region.

Niger has also recently inaugurated a pipeline to carry crude oil extracted by the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to neighboring Benin. The country plans to increase its oil production to 110,000 barrels per day, with 90,000 barrels earmarked for export.

Why this matters: The escalating tensions between the AES countries and ECOWAS could have significant implications for regional stability and economic cooperation in West Africa. The formation of the AES and the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS could lead to a realignment of power dynamics in the region and potentially impact the fight against jihadist groups operating in the Sahel.

The electricity deal between Mali and Niger highlights the growing economic ties between the AES countries and their efforts to reduce their dependence on ECOWAS. It also highlights the challenges faced by many West African nations in providing reliable electricity to their populations and the need for regional cooperation to address these issues.

As Mali continues to wrestle with its electricity crisis, the partnership with Niger offers a glimmer of hope for the country's power sector. However, the long-term success of this deal will depend on the ability of the two countries to maintain a stable and mutually beneficial relationship in the face of ongoing regional tensions and security challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Mali faces severe electricity crisis, with only half its population having power.
• Mali's junta leader seeks Niger's help, finalizing diesel supply deal to power stations.
• Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger form Alliance of Sahel States, withdrawing from ECOWAS.
• Niger inaugurates pipeline to export crude oil, aiming to increase production to 110,000 bpd.
• AES formation and withdrawal from ECOWAS could impact regional stability and cooperation.