Mali has a debt exceeding $94 million to the organization overseeing a vital hydroelectric dam that also provides electricity to Senegal and Mauritania, which raises concerns about potential further power outages in the country.
SOGEM, the regional authority in charge of the Manantali Dam and power station, has indicated that this financial deficit jeopardizes its ongoing operations.
They have issued a serious warning to Mali’s state energy company, EDM, regarding the need to settle the overdue payments.
In a letter dated April 25, SOGEM’s director general conveyed his grave concerns, labeling the situation as a ‘matter of life or death’ for this essential regional energy infrastructure.
If payments are not made, Malians are likely to experience additional power cuts, which are already adversely affecting businesses.
The persistent economic difficulties and frequent electricity shortages have diminished public support for the military government that assumed control following coups in 2020 and 2021.
With a national electrification rate of only 56 percent, and just 31 percent in rural regions, the lack of access to a dependable electricity supply continues to be a major barrier to development.
The Manantali dam and power plant became operational in 2002 and has a capacity of 200 megawatts. More than half of the electricity produced is allocated to Mali, while Senegal receives 33 percent and Mauritania 15 percent.
The facilities, which are jointly owned, are co-financed by the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River.
