This substantial arrearage is putting the very survival of the management entity at risk, according to its Director-General, Mohamed Mahmoud Sid’Elemine.

Sid’Elemine warned that if the outstanding debt is not resolved, SOGEM could be forced to halt operations, a move that would have significant repercussions for the nation’s electricity supply. The Manantali dam, which is crucial for regional power distribution, has already been central to discussions on energy reliability in the region.

In recent times, recurring power outages have intensified public frustration with Mali’s military administration, which seized power during the coups of 2020 and 2021. The current funding shortfall adds a new layer of complexity to the challenges facing the government, as inadequate electricity supply threatens to exacerbate economic and social difficulties.

Local observers fear that without immediate intervention, the energy crisis could further destabilise the country, with prolonged blackouts likely to disrupt daily life and impede economic recovery.  

--ChannelAfrica--